Re:
Avian Influenza Outbreak (E. Cape)
An outbreak of
Avian influenza was discovered on 2 ostrich farms in the Bedford – Somerset
East area of the Eastern Cape Province, and it has to date not spread to
the Northern Cape Province.
Precautionary
steps which included the quarantine measures, surveillance and slaughtering of
affected animals were immediately implemented in order to prevent the spread of
the disease by the Eastern Cape and National Department of Agriculture
authorities.
The outbreak has
had negative impact on the export status of the poultry and ostrich industry in
South Africa, because South Africa voluntarily suspended all exports of
poultry, ostriches and their products. Several countries including Singapore,
EU countries and Mozambique have stopped imports of poultry, ostrich and their
products from South Africa.
The Department
of Agriculture in the Northern Cape Province is currently monitoring the
situation through: -
Visits to all poultry
and ostrich farms (especially in the De Aar area)
Stopping of
slaughtering of ostrich for export purposes.
Distribution of
information to poultry and ostrich farmers on Avian influenza by the State
Veterinary officials.
We would like to
appeal to all poultry and ostrich farmers to do the following: -
§
Inform the local State Veterinarian or Private
Veterinarian on sudden mortalities experienced on their poultry or ostrich
farms.
§
Implement biosecurity measures in order to avoid
introduction of animal diseases on to their farms.
§
Co-operation with State Veterinary officials who will
be visiting their farms (for purposes of conducting surveillance).
§
Inform the State Veterinary officials of any knowledge
of illegal movement of animals from Bedford – Somerset East area of the Eastern
Cape Province.
The Eastern Cape
and the National Department of Agriculture have to date acted promptly in
dealing with the outbreak and all of us should support their endeavours by
implementing the above measures in the Northern Cape Province.
Enquiries: Sipho
Mbaqa - 082 552 3841 / 053 8389100
Source :
Department of Agriculture and Land Reform