Zeranol found at Okapuka feedlot
Traces of Zeranol were again detected in samples of cattle urine and feed tested at the Okapuka Feedlot, Chief Veterinary Officer Milton Maseke said earlier this week.Zeranol is used as an anabolic agent in veterinary medicine and functions as a growth promoter in livestock, but has negative effects on human health when consumed.
Additional sampling and testing by the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) and its European Union-based contracted laboratory was done, and samples of both feed and urine were received last week for processing abroad. The Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) announced last week that the feedlot conditionally reopened on 30 September. If it continues to stay closed, some 500 workers could lose their jobs and losses for the company over the same period are estimated at N$140 million. (NAMPA)