Onderstepoort Biological Products Ltd – Handling of Horses

Onderstepoort Biological Products Ltd (OBP) has noted with concern the recent e-mail circulated by certain individuals, voicing their discontent with the welfare of horses utilized by the organization for the legislated testing of vaccines. The company is committed to animal ethics and consults with various welfare organizations to this end. Although not required by law, the company proactively developed an animal ethics policy and constituted an animal ethics committee within which welfare organizations are represented.

OBP is aware of the sensitivity surrounding the use of animals in research and have over the years engaged different stakeholders. Some of the actions that have emerged from these consultations have included the re-homing and the donation of horses to riding schools.

A detailed policy document was developed as part of the animal ethics committee activities and has been reviewed in the past year in conjunction with the Highveld Horse Care Unit (HHCU). OBP will continue to consult and review the policy document to address issues of public concern. In this regard HHCU and other interested parties have had full access to our facilities and the policy document. The latter was found to be satisfactory in setting humane guidelines regarding the handling of animals. In addition the company is externally audited annually.

A number of malicious and untrue statements have been circulated within the public domain and we would like to take this opportunity to ensure the public that:

• All our animals are properly cared for.
• Photos that were published relating to this issue are not from South Africa and OBP emphatically distance us from it.
• A dedicated, highly trained and experienced team including a full time veterinarian is responsible for the humane treatment and veterinary care of animals.

We take great exception to the false and malicious allegations that have been made against both the company and members of our staff as we feel that the professional integrity of both the company and our staff is being unfairly jeopardized and would like to state that there is nothing illegal or unethical in our actions, however the company is willing to engage with the aggrieved individuals regarding this matter.

On behalf of the Onderstepoort Biological Products Ltd Board of Directors