Bird flu costs Western Cape R800m

Early estimates suggest an outbreak of avian influenza has led to production losses of around R800 million in the Western Cape, economic opportunities MEC Alan Winde said yesterday.

In a statement, Winde said there were at least 36 confirmed cases of avian flu. Seventy ostrich farms were under quarantine and more than two million birds had either died or been culled.

“The Western Cape is the worst affected province in South Africa. In some regions, poultry production farms are clustered in a specific area. In other provinces, cases have occurred at locations far removed from these hubs,” said Winde.

“In the Western Cape, the outbreak has hit the Paardeberg area, the region with the highest concentration of poultry farms.”

The MEC said a joint operations centre has been established to respond to the outbreak and a recovery plan is being put into effect.

Environmental affairs, local government and development planning MEC Anton Bredell said the provincial disaster management centre was assisting in “managing the crisis”.

“A big part of what we’re busy with includes looking after the well-being of affected farmworkers. In this regard, the departments of social development together with department of agriculture are leading the process. Labour are also on board,” said Bredell.

“In addition, the department of environmental affairs’ waste management unit is ensuring the safe disposal of carcasses.” – ANA