Vaccines could prevent future outbreaks: SA poultry sector

October 12, 2023 73

The South African Poultry Association CEO, Izaak Breitenbach, says the vaccines for poultry will assist in prevent any other outbreaks of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in the future.

The country is currently dealing with the deadly outbreak of avian flu, which has led to over seven million chickens (30% of national stock) being culled. It has also led to a shortage of eggs in the country, leading to the rationing of the items by some retail stores.

Speaking to Ynews, Breitenbach says talks with government to get vaccines for the poultry industry are progressing well.

“The food security and livelihoods of the people in the industry and the stability of our economy are in jeopardy. In addition, bird welfare remains compromised and neglected despite the availability of an effective health solution in a form of providing vaccines to veterinarians who, as per the Veterinary and Para-Veterinary Act 19 of 1982, must protect and promote the health and welfare of animals,” Breitenbach adds.

The association has requested that the vaccine’s approval be expedited and a clear timeline be provided to the industry.

Breitenbach says the vaccines will assist in preventing any future outbreaks.

The outbreak has also prompted fears of shortage of chicken products as well as escalating prices.

The South African Poultry Association CEO has reiterated the call for consumers not to panic buy due to the prevailing fears.

The hardest hit provinces are the Western Cape, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, and Gauteng.

South Africa: 7.5 million Chickens Culled in Effort to Contain Bird Flu Outbreaks https://t.co/mGYdcDFVsP #priceofchicken #consumerrights #tradetariff #foodsecurity #supplychain #foodsecurity #chickenprices #eggs #emptyshelves pic.twitter.com/rDtfa5PAey

— ChickenFacts (@ChickenFactsSA) October 8, 2023

Namibia and Botswana have since suspended the importation of poultry products from South Africa.

International cases:

The avian flu is also wreaking havoc in other parts of the world. In Cambodia, a 50-year-old man has died from the bird flu, which is the second death from the virus recorded in that country this year.

⚠️ BREAKING: Cambodian man dies from bird flu@DavidJoffe64 @ejustin46 @LauraMiers @RajlabN

A 50-year-old man has died from bird flu in Cambodia, the health ministry said on Sunday, the second death from the virus recorded in the country this year. pic.twitter.com/22PFnYeJ3Z

— SARS‑CoV‑2 (COVID-19) (@COVID19_disease) October 9, 2023