Urgent need to curb bird flu
THE MINISTER of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Senzeni Zokwana, said five provinces had been affected by the latest avian flu outbreak, and that measures were in place to contain it.
He said the outbreak of the H5N8 strain of Avian Influenza had sent shockwaves through the poultry industry.
“The economic importance of poultry is highlighted by the fact that in the 2016 production cycle, broiler and egg production was still the largest segment of South African agriculture in rand value at 18%,” said Zokwana
The minister said the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the Government Veterinary Services and the poultry industry were working tirelessly to ensure that the virus was curbed.
“So far, 24 outbreaks have been detected; 10 outbreaks in commercial chickens, three in ostrich, three in backyard chickens and eight in wild birds and birds kept as a hobby,” he said.
Zokwana said Avian flu was not harmful to humans. The disease has been reported in 47 countries, none of which has a record of human cases.
“The World Organisation for Animal Health and World Health Organisation have both confirmed that the H5N8 strain does not affect humans. We have been working with the Department of Health since the first outbreak was reported; they have tested workers on the affected farms and there has not been a single case of human infections,” he said.
Zokwana had a meeting with the poultry industry on August 21. During the meeting two main concerns were raised. The first was compensation by the government to the affected farms, and the second was the issue of vaccination.
“We set up a task team consisting of representatives from industry and the government to work on scientifically based considerations regarding vaccination. The government is committed to supporting the poultry sector,” Zokwana said.
“Negotiations are ongoing to find a way to provide an incentive to farmers who have experienced massive losses due to destruction of healthy birds and eggs in an effort to eradicate the disease. Detailed updates will be communicated by the end of September.”