Nothing ‘fowl’ about KZN’s chickens

SOCIAL media posts exaggerating the recent incident of avian flu detected at an Mpumalanga poultry farm has ruffled some feathers.

One message, as reported in a weekend newspaper, read: “KZN chicken has bird flu. It’s not safe to buy chicken – 90 000 chickens are contaminated. Please do not purchase any. Please send to family and friends urgently.”

But the spokesperson for the Department of Forestry and Agriculture, Bomikazi Malopo, was quick to quash rumours doing the rounds on social media.

“Yes, the minister did declare a ban on live poultry sales when the first case of Avian Flu was discovered but the situation was quickly put under control. As long as the supplier is registered with the Poultry Disease Management Agency we are satisfied that all safety requirements will be complied with,” said Malopo.

“Poultry in KZN is not under threat and people on social media must refrain from trying to create a big issue out of a small one that is under control.”

However, as this reporter discovered, it did not deter those wanting to enjoy a piping hot “running fowl” curry cooked over an open flame to go with the excitement of the Durban July on Saturday.

Almost every former Indian group area has its “fowl aunty” although Unit 2 in Chatsworth had its most infamous one who sold a nip of cane spirit to go with. So this reporter paid a visit to his neighbourhood aunty who always has pre-packed cleaned, cut and ready for the pot Cornish hens and culls.

“Hello. It’s been a long time since you came but unfortunately I’m all sold out now,” she said.

And I got my answer before I could even pull out my notebook.

When I explained the reason for my visit, she said she was also worried at first but had spoken to her supplier who had assured her that he was in compliance with the regulations.

“Many of my clients asked me about the rumours going around. These are my loyal customers so they trusted me when I said that the supplier gave me the all clear.

“Right now I have no culls or Cornish hens. Business this weekend was brisk as usual.”

I asked if I could name her for the purposes of this story but she declined. “Chicken?”, I questioned. She retorted: “NO!”. “It’s just that I earn an honest living by running my business from home but I am not a licensed trader.

A large chicken outlet in Sea Cow Lake was also canvassed.

The owner said he experienced a bit of a slump when the news first went viral but it started to pick up by the weekend. However, he was worried that the fake news might still affect his business.

I asked if I could name him. He said “No!”. “Chicken?” I questioned. He replied with some “fowl” mouthed expletives.

So there you have it. The situation is under control in KZN ... so give your “fowl aunty” a call and pull out your three legged pot this weekend.

PS: I’m open to invitations!