The Department of Agriculture in South Africa has announced the country’s first mass vaccination of poultry to prevent local birds from contracting avian influenza.
Recent Challenges in Poultry Production
South Africa has faced significant outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza, the most severe being in 2023 when approximately 9.5 million birds were culled to contain the outbreak. This drastic measure affected both broilers and layers, representing about 20-30% of the country’s total chicken stock.
While the nation has since entered a recovery phase, concerns remain regarding the possibility of new outbreaks. The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has called for immediate government intervention to avert another crisis.
Global Context of Avian Influenza
Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen stated that while South Africa is not currently facing an outbreak of avian influenza, there has been a notable increase in bird flu cases globally.
“What we are trying to do is to prevent the devastation that could come if there’s an outbreak. We have made a decision in collaboration with the poultry association in South Africa to embark upon this process,” he noted regarding the vaccination campaign.
Impact on Food Prices and Employment
Steenhuisen highlighted the potential consequences of a bird flu outbreak on food prices, emphasizing the risk of rising costs for consumers and job losses in the sector. “The government of national unity has committed to bringing down the cost of food for consumers in South Africa. This is just one step in trying to prevent runaway food prices if we have to contend with mass culling or a high death rate of chickens due to avian influenza,” he stated.
Securing Vaccine Supply
According to Minister Steenhuisen, a vaccination team of poultry specialist veterinarians from the University of Pretoria and the Agricultural Research Council has been mobilized to prioritize high-risk areas and commercial flocks. “We have secured vaccine supplies, ensured cold chain capacity, and are building in traceability and reporting mechanisms as part of a wider preparedness strategy,” he explained.
Future Growth Prospects
The Minister is optimistic about the growth potential in the poultry sector. “There’s huge growth potential for this particular sector, along with opportunities for emerging and previously disadvantaged farmers to enter the industry. The more supply we can create, the lower the prices will be for consumers,” he concluded.
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