New foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) regulations unpacked in plain English

Dr Mark Chimes will explain the new updated control measures relating to outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) published in Section 9(1) of the Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act 35 of 1984), in plain English, highlighting aspects that affect the dairy industry. Ample opportunity will be given to answer any questions on the interpretation and application of the new regulations. Dr Chimes was appointed by the Ministerial Task Team on animal disease prevention and control and was closely involved in drafting the new regulations.

Dr Mark Chimes

Dr Mark Chimes qualified as a veterinarian at Onderstepoort, Veterinary Faculty, University of Pretoria in 1986.

After 30 years in private practice, he joined Deltamune Laboratory as their ruminant technical advisor regarding the vaccines and laboratory tests they offered.

In 2016 Dr Chimes joined the Dairy Standard Agency as a milk parlour auditor to assist farmers to comply with dairy quality and safety standards. He visits 80 to 120 dairy farms a year and as a result has developed intimate knowledge of the various dairy farm managements and production systems.

In 2022, Dr Chimes was appointed programme manager of Milk South Africa’s Animal Health & Welfare Programme, where he also serves as veterinary advisor.