Cape Town – General Manager of Merlog Foods, George Southey, has reportedly predicted that the impact of Bird Flu on the South African poultry sector is expected to worsen in the coming month, leading to a challenging Christmas season in 2024.
Two deadly virus strains have infected around 10 million chickens, causing over 7 million deaths and affecting about a third of the country’s poultry production.
This has resulted in egg shortages and rising prices, with consumers likely to face increased difficulties starting from November.
Speaking with 702, Southey said that the situation is expected to deteriorate for individuals dependent on chicken as a meat source starting in November.
ALSO READ |Bird flu in SA: expert explains what’s behind the chicken crisis and what must be done about it
“The ‘life cycle’ of production of broiler chickens is a little different to the table egg. So the actual impact on consumers hasn’t yet been felt. There is still suitable stock of chicken in the system. The problem is the next cycle of growing chickens will start impacting from, probably, around the middle of November.
The disruptions in the poultry supply chain are expected to last for at least 12 to 18 months, he said.
“It takes between 18 and 22 months to bring new production systems into the market. We believe from probably December through at least 12 months there will be approximately 50-million kilograms short per month, unless there are some severe interventions. If there are further infections in the system, those shortages could increase further.”
As a result of the Avian Flu-related shortages, retailers like Woolworths and Pick n Pay have imposed limits on the quantity of eggs customers can purchase to address the scarcity issue.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Picture: Unsplash
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
