Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS) has appointed Commandant Jan J. Nel as a Biosecurity Marshal—an independent role authorised under the Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act 35 of 1984) by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD).

Animal disease outbreaks, such as Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), pose a significant threat to the South African livestock industry. In response, RMIS and the Directorate: Animal Health, is taking proactive steps to enhance disease monitoring, enforce compliance, and strengthen biosecurity protocols across the industry. The appointment of Commandant Nel is a vital step in reinforcing biosecurity measures and safeguarding South Africa’s livestock industry against controlled animal diseases.

As part of RMIS’s 2025 strategic initiatives, the newly appointed Biosecurity Marshal will:

  • Investigate epidemiologically linked locations, animals, and businesses suspected of disease involvement.
  • Monitor compliance with biosecurity measures at farms, auctions, transport points, abattoirs, and roadblocks.
  • Enforce movement restrictions of cloven-hoofed animals and conduct inspections.
  • Collect data and compile reports on disease control infractions, working closely with the National Prosecuting Authority on legal actions where necessary.
  • Liaise with state veterinarians and industry stakeholders to ensure disease control effectiveness.

This initiative aligns with RMIS’s 2025 Project Portfolio, aimed at enhancing traceability, market access, and disease prevention within South Africa’s red meat sector. By deploying biosecurity marshals, RMIS is reinforcing the industry’s resilience, improving trade confidence, and ensuring livestock health and welfare.

“After 37 years of dedicated service in government agriculture, particularly in veterinary services and law enforcement, I am proud to continue my commitment to South Africa’s livestock producers through RMIS,” said Commandant Jan J. Nel. “Strengthening biosecurity and enforcing compliance and traceability at all levels of the value chain is critical to protecting our industry.”

“Our focus remains on building a sustainable and globally competitive red meat industry,” said Dewald Olivier, CEO of RMIS. “The introduction of Biosecurity Marshals will strengthen our disease response framework, ensuring that South African red meat producers operate in a safe and compliant environment.”

More about Jan:

Jan Nel is a dedicated biosecurity professional with an extensive career spanning multiple disciplines, including veterinary law enforcement, environmental management, and military and police service.

After completing his National Service in the South African Defence Force, Jan transitioned to the Department of Agriculture’s Veterinary Services, where he later became Head of Training.

In 1992, he began volunteering with the South African Police Reserve Force alongside his full-time job. He went on to serve for 19 years, until his retirement, working in specialized units such as the Endangered Species Protection Unit and the Stock Theft Unit. Through this role, he contributed significantly to wildlife conservation and agricultural security.

By 1994, Jan returned to Veterinary Services under the Gauteng Provincial Government, where he pioneered the establishment of the Law Enforcement Unit for Gauteng Veterinary Services. Later completed the Environmental Management Inspectors (EMI) course at the University of Pretoria.

His leadership in veterinary law enforcement continued when he rejoined the National Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (DAFF) in 2010 as Assistant Director for Veterinary Services. In this role, he played a critical part in enforcing veterinary and animal health regulations while also serving as the Registrar of Animal Identification (AIDA) from 2019.

In March 2023, Jan transitioned to the newly established Border Management Authority (BMA) as a Law Enforcement Officer for Veterinary Transgressions within the Specialized Services Component. Holding the commissioned rank of Deputy Commandant, he played a key role in safeguarding biosecurity at national borders until his retirement on 31 December 2024.

“I worked for 37 years in Government for Agriculture and more specifically for veterinary Services and the BMA as a Law Application Enforcement official.

My goal is to continue my loyal service, after my retirement, to the livestock producers of South Africa through the RMIS and to ensure biosecurity at all levels of the value chain by enforcing compliance and traceability.”

With a career defined by dedication, expertise, and leadership, Jan Nel continues to be a respected figure in biosecurity and law enforcement, contributing his wealth of experience to the field.