Veterinary Needs Appraisals have indicated that there is a need for improved supply of veterinary medicinal products to subsistence and emerging farmers in South Africa. No studies have been conducted to describe and assess the adequacy of the current routes and methods of supply of veterinary medicinal products to these farmers. A combination of focus groups, self-administered questionnaires and direct observations was used to collect information for the purpose of describing and understanding the situation regarding the supply of veterinary medicinal products to the farmers of the Madikwe district. A combination of semi-structured interviews, questionnaires and direct observation was used to gather information. The results indicated that the routes and methods of supply of veterinary medicinal products to the farmers of the Madikwe district were inadequate. The annual sales from outlets within the Madikwe district were poor, with a total of 396 units sold over a period of one year, although there were approximately 2000 farmers in the Madikwe district who were potential clients for these outlets. The majority of products sold by these outlets were ectoparasiticides, followed by Tetracycline antibiotics. The outlets within the Madikwe district were unable to supply vaccines, as they did not have adequate facilities for the storage of these thermolabile products. Farmers had to travel an average of 70 km if they wished to purchase veterinary medicinal products from farmers' co-operatives and pharmacies in larger towns outside the Madikwe district. The routes and methods of supply did not ensure correct storage, and safe and effective use of veterinary medicinal products. Several examples of misuse and incorrect storage and handling of veterinary medicinal products were discovered. Inadequate information transfer, inaccessibility of outlets, poor reliability and quality of outlets and poor service were discovered as reasons for the inadequacy of the routes and methods of supply. Wider distribution of veterinary medicinal products is required but a higher level of control is needed to ensure that products of an acceptable quality are sold. Information and advice must be disseminated together with products. / Dissertation (MMedVet (Pharmacology))--University of Pretoria, 2001. / Paraclinical Sciences / unrestricted

Yes / Welcome to the first issue of the Genomics Monitor. The Genomics Monitor provides information and analysis on developments in the international regulations relevant to the control of the biotechnology revolution. This introductory issue outlines the full range of applicable regulations at the international level - providing details on each regulation's aims, provisions, development and current status. Thirty-five key regulations are covered within the areas of arms control, health and disease control, environmental protection, trade, drugs control and the social and ethical impacts of human genetics. Because this Issue was launched in mid-November 2006 - just prior to the Sixth Review Conference of the Biological Weapons Convention - there is also a section covering Key Points for the Conference. It is clear from the content of the Monitor that there are significant connections between the rules in the different issue areas as they apply to biotechnology. Because of these connections, awareness of developments throughout the set of regulations is important to ensure they develop in a mutually supportive manner. A key aim of this and future Issues is therefore to raise awareness of the connections between the regulations and highlight cross-cutting work being undertaken by associated international organisations. The Genomics Monitor is of relevance to anyone interested in the international regulation of biotechnology, and of particular use to those involved in informing and making policy in this area. / Carnegie Corporation