Bird flu continues to spread
The latest crisis started with an outbreak in Zimbabwe, which was then followed by traces of the H5N8 strain being discovered at two farms in Mpumalanga
THE local poultry industry is facing serious damage from bird (or avian) flu.
The latest crisis started with an outbreak in Zimbabwe, which was then followed by traces of the H5N8 strain being discovered at two farms in Mpumalanga.
Since then there have been recorded outbreaks in four other provinces namely Western Cape, KZN, North West and Gauteng.
Southern Africa is not alone in trying to combat bird flu (either in H5N1 or H5N8 forms).
Russia, Europe, India and parts of Asia have all been affected at various times over the past few years.
For any poultry farmer, preventing bird flu from occurring in the first place is an obvious priority and all global best practice places an emphasis on cleaning as a key part of biosecurity.
According to the Australian government’s guidelines, the object should be to ‘hinder the introduction of disease agents and contaminants into poultry sheds and enclosures and reduce the attraction of rodents and birds to production areas.’
The cleanliness mandate includes coops, production areas, runoffs, ramps or driveways, equipment and footwear.
Chicken industry stands together
Following a special meeting of stakeholders in the chicken industry held on 22 September in Johannesburg, the South African Poultry Association (SAPA) has announced its intention to set aside differences from within its ranks and to work together to address the issues besetting the industry.
All the major chicken producers, Astral, RCL Foods, Country Bird Holdings, Daybreak Farms, Chubby Chicks and Grain Field Chickens, as well as the Egg Organisation voted to adopt a united front going forward.
SAPA represents around 80% of the local broiler producers and has undertaken to get buy-in from the majority of the remaining 20% producers.
The industry weathered last year’s crippling drought with improved maize harvests and resultant drop in feed costs have given chicken producers room to breathe.
The threat of industry contraction owing to chicken dumping from abroad remains a major concern and the task team, formed last November by the Department of Trade and Industry to find possible remedies, has yet to finalise its recommendations.
The recent outbreak of avian flu has added to producers’ woes.
SAPA is committed to represent the interests of all stakeholders, big and small, and to work tirelessly for the protection of the poultry industry, which is the biggest single segment of South Africa’s agricultural industry.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 072 069 4169
Instagram – zululand_observer
