Efforts to control a severe avian influenza outbreak have now resulted in the culling of nearly 2.7 million chickens. Tonight, government confirmed that South Africa is currently contending with fifty HPAI H7 and ten HPAI H5 outbreaks spanning five provinces.
According to an official release from the department of agriculture, land reform and rural development, the Western Cape is grappling with the majority of HPAI H5 outbreaks, while Gauteng is facing the most significant impact from HPAI H7 cases.
Experts say the main distinction between HPAI H5 and HPAI H7 lies in their specific subtypes and genetic characteristics, which can influence their transmission patterns and impact on poultry populations.
Besides Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, North West, and the Free State collectively account for an additional seven HPAI H7 outbreaks. The impact on poultry has been devastating, with 107 705 chickens in these provinces reported dead and a further 1 318,521 culled to prevent further spread of this virus.
In the case of HPAI H5, KwaZulu-Natal has also been affected, with three HPAI H5 outbreaks identified within its borders. The toll on poultry in the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal is distressing, with 98 249 chickens reported dead and a further 1 156 283 culled in efforts to contain this virus.
Reggie Ngcobo, spokesperson for minister Thoko Didiza, confirms that the count of newly identified H7 and H5 PCR positive farms is on the rise. As a result, the chicken industry is urged to prioritise and enhance biosecurity measures on poultry farms to mitigate the risk of virus introduction.
“The department has facilitated the importation of fertile eggs for the broiler industry, and a similar request for table eggs will be considered if received,” explains Ngcobo. “We are also facilitating the transit of fertile eggs to eSwatini for their broiler production.”
Fast-tracking vaccine registration
Regarding vaccination, the department has engaged with vaccine registration regulators and has reached an accord to expedite the registration process. Importantly, this will not entail any compromise on the vital aspects of safety, efficacy, and quality, according to Ngcobo.
This stems from the recognition of the heightened risk associated with the avian influenza virus potentially mutating into a zoonotic form, underlining the need for meticulous evaluation of the chosen vaccine’s quality and effectiveness in addressing this pressing concern.
As the criteria for avian influenza vaccination nears its finalisation, only farms with robust biosecurity measures in place and official approval from the department will be authorised to administer vaccinations. Additionally, stringent requirements will include ongoing surveillance protocols to swiftly detect any potential virus incursion and the mandatory culling of vaccinated chickens, further underscoring the gravity of the situation.
The department is also strongly urging all poultry producers to heighten their biosecurity efforts on their farms.
This emphasis is placed on fundamental measures that primarily aim to prevent contact with wild birds, including precautions against the inadvertent transportation of their faecal material via boots and equipment.
Farmers are strongly encouraged to report any suspicion of avian influenza disease promptly to the nearest state veterinarian. Swift identification and response are critical in containing the outbreak and preventing the virus from spreading further.
Dr Sakhi Nkosi, a technical veterinarian at Afrivet, emphasised the immense significance of poultry production in the country, highlighting its pivotal role in agriculture. It contributes a substantial 16.6% to the total agricultural gross value and an impressive 39.6% to the gross value of animal products.
Nkosi told Food For Mzansi that the avian influenza outbreak carries profound implications not only for the economy but also for the daily lives of consumers who rely on poultry products due to their affordability. He cautioned that the disease may lead to higher prices for chicken products, placing additional strain on already financially constrained consumers.
“The health of the poultry industry is closely intertwined with the well-being of South African households and the broader economy,” he emphasised. “Effectively managing diseases like bird flu is crucial to ensuring continued access to this essential source of protein and maintaining economic stability in the country.”
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