Meatco has expressed shock at the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS)’s decision to close down the Okapuka abattoir early this month. The DVS closed the abattoir on the second of this month after two bulls, out of the 22 cattle sampled, tested positive for zeranol substances. Zeranol is an animal hormone enhancing substance banned under the European Union – EU. MeatCo Chief Executive Officer, Advocate Vekuii Rukuro, argues that the zeranol substance found was of insignificant value which is permissible under the EU health requirements. Advocate Rukoro says the company did not deliberately administer zeranol in the cattle, but it might have come through the feed. He says the DVS has no constitutional right or legal grounds to close the abattoir and calls for its immediate re-opening. The MeatCo Chief says the closure will have a negative impact on the meat industry, Namibia’s economy and farmers in general who are mostly dependent on the sector. So far, close to 8000 animals are stranded at the abattoir, with the company losing about 3,5 million dollars a week. It is also short of 4500 animals to meet its quota for the international market, which would cost MeatCo loss of 11, 5 million dollars in foreign earnings. The company says 45% of its 990-employees may lose work if the closure persists for three months. The Chief Public Relations Officer in the Agriculture Ministry, Margaret Kalo said, an official from the Directorate of Veterinary Services would only be able to respond today.