No bird flu cases reported in Zululand
A second case of Avian Influenza has been confirmed in Mpumalanga
AUTHORITIES in KZN are on full alert following an outbreak of avian influenza (bird flu) in Mpumalanga and the Free State, but no cases have so far been reported in Zululand.
A second case of Avian Influenza has been confirmed in Mpumalanga.
The Department of Agriculture‚ Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) reported a second case of the flu at a layer farm in Val in Standerton.
The virus is the same strain as that found in a case reported on a poultry breeder farm near Villiers last Thursday, but the farms are not linked.
This could mean that the latest case was a separate introduction.
‘The farm has been placed under quarantine and more than 25 000 of the infected chickens will be culled.
‘Eggs are not allowed to move out of the farm‚’ the department said.
To date the department reports that 150 000 chickens have already been reported to have been culled.
The ban on the sale of live poultry is still in place to enable the department to assess the extent of the outbreak.
It will remain in place for at least 14 days, after which the situation will be reassessed.
Infected birds show clinical signs of the disease after about four days.
The department says the measures are to prevent the further spread of the influenza.
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Live chickens still being sold
Despite the national ban on the sale of live chickens introduced on Monday, it has been reported that birds are still being sold in some areas.
The avian influenza outbreak has resulted in Zimbabwe, Botswana and Zambia banning chicken imports from South Africa.
Mozambique and South Africa had banned the import of chickens from Zimbabwe earlier this month.
H-5-N-8 is a rapidly spreading viral disease that can infect many types of birds.
It exists naturally in many birds and can be transmitted by coming into contact with infected animals or through ingestion of infected food or water.
In 2011-2012 more than 50 000 ostriches were culled owing to an outbreak of the avian flu virus.
The value of the chickens to be culled this year is not yet known‚ nor whether compensation will be paid and how much.
Commercial and backyard farmers are requested to report any cases of large numbers of birds dying to the nearest state vet so the department can send veterinary officials for follow up investigations and the collection of samples.
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