Cape Town – South Africa’s Cabinet has assured the public that measures are in place to manage Bird Flu outbreaks in the country, particularly in the poultry industry.
The outbreaks include highly pathogenic influenza strains H5 and H7.
HPAI H5 outbreaks have occurred in the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, while HPAI H7 has been reported in Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and North West provinces.
To control the spread, farmers are urged to follow prescribed biosecurity measures.
Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni highlighted the potential food security risks and mentioned the possibility of trade measures, such as import restrictions on fertile eggs, table eggs, and poultry meat.
[Watch live] Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni briefs media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on 27 September 2023 https://t.co/Civ9ADkS12
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) September 28, 2023
“Control measures to manage the spread of the outbreaks are in place and farmers are encouraged to observe prescribed biosecurity measures.
“The outbreaks pose food security risks and trade measures in the form of imports to manage availability of fertile eggs, table eggs, and poultry meat may be implemented,” the minister said during a Post Cabinet media briefing on Thursday.
She said that government agencies and the industry are exploring vaccine registration to combat the outbreaks, prioritising safety, efficacy, and quality.
As of September 21, 2023, there have been a total of 50 HPAI H7 outbreaks and 10 HPAI H5 outbreaks, with significant chicken losses reported, especially in Gauteng and the Western Cape.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
