The South African Poultry Association (Sapa) has confirmed a flu out-break, at a commercial layer flock in Johannesburg.
According to Sapa’s statement, the flu is called avian influenza (H5). Sapa is on alerts and will restrict movement of birds on companies and SMMEs. It said there will be engagement with the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural development to deal with out-break.
“Currently out-break is contained at one farm and we are monitoring the situation. The World Health Organisation (WHO) as well as the World Organisation of Animal Health said a virus is not dangerous to human beings. Poultry products such as eggs and meat are safe to consume. South Africa has purchased enough poultry stock as production was increased last year. We appeal to other stakeholders to also combat the spread of this virus out-break. Poultry producers should abide by biosecurity measures for their products to be safe”, statement read.
Sapa said residents should report any dead backyard chickens or wild birds to the state veterinarian.
“This is the first we encounter H5 out-break at commercial firm in South Africa. However, there was out-breaking of pathogenic avian influenza (H5N8) in 2017. It affected layer industry as well as broiler industry”, statement read.
