Guidelines for the Harvesting of Game for Meat Export 2010.

The Guidelines for harvesting game for meat export in Namibia provide a comprehensive framework for ensuring the ethical, sustainable, and hygienic harvesting of game. The document emphasizes the importance of adhering to regulatory requirements set forth by both Namibian authorities and international bodies, such as the European Union and South Africa. It mandates the registration of harvesting teams with the Ministry of Environment and Tourism and the Directorate of Veterinary Services, ensuring that teams are equipped with the necessary skills and equipment to conduct harvesting operations. The guidelines stipulate that harvesting teams must undergo medical check-ups and possess valid health certificates. They must also implement hygiene management systems based on HACCP principles to ensure food safety throughout the harvesting process. The document outlines the procedures for ante-mortem inspections, which are crucial for identifying any conditions that might adversely affect human or animal health. It details the diseases and pathological conditions that must be monitored, including anthrax, foot-and-mouth disease, rabies, brucellosis, malignant catarrhal fever, and botulism. The guidelines also cover the operational aspects of harvesting, including the setting up of field abattoirs, the dress code for workers, and the hygiene code of conduct. It specifies the requirements for shooting and exsanguination, emphasizing the need for immediate death to minimize stress and ensure meat quality. The document provides detailed instructions for the transport of shot game to the field abattoir, the evisceration of white offal, and the inspection of carcasses and viscera. Furthermore, the guidelines address the loading of carcasses into refrigeration vehicles, ensuring that the cold chain is maintained to prevent bacterial growth and spoilage. It mandates the measurement of carcass pH and temperature to monitor meat quality. The transport of partially dressed carcasses to game meat handling facilities must be accompanied by the necessary documentation, verified by the Game Meat Examiner. Finally, the document outlines the post-operational cleaning and sanitation procedures for harvesting vehicles and equipment, as well as the regulations for the removal and selling of by-products.