MEDIA ALERT
Minister Zokwana will on Monday afternoon 21 August 2017 meet with CEO’s from the poultry industry in a closed meeting to find solutions and discuss mitigation strategies for the current Avian Influenza outbreak that the country is facing. South Africa is currently experiencing an outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI H5N8).
The source of the outbreak and the spread of the disease between the affected properties have as yet, not been confirmed. The presence of infected wild birds in the areas where the disease occurred makes it a high likelihood that wild birds play a role in the spread of the virus. This highlights the importance of biosecurity on poultry farms; to prevent contact between wild birds and chickens, and to prevent the disease from entering the premises through other means; such as through workers or equipment.
The Department has imposed control measures within the affected farms which includes quarantine (with no poultry or eggs allowed onto, through and off the farm); and the destruction of eggs and culling of birds.
The Minister is confident that Monday’s meeting will address concerns of the industry and the South African public at large.
The outcomes of this meeting will be communicated.
For media enquiries
Bomikazi Molapo: Spokesperson for the Minister
0788013711
Bomikazim@daff.gov.za
