MEDIA STATEMENT 23 OCTOBER 2017
DAFF INTERVENTIONS TO ASSIST FARMERS TO CONTAIN THE SPREAD OF
HPAI
Since the first case of HPAI was confirmed in a broiler breeder operation near
Villiers, Mpumalanga in June 2017, a number of other poultry and ostrich operations,
as well as wild bird species, hobby birds and backyard chickens have subsequently
been infected with HPAI.
To date, a total of ninety two (92) locations have been identified that tested positive
for HPAI H5N8, and reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).
Mpumalanga province has reported a total of 11 outbreaks, Gauteng 13, North West
2, Free State 2, Kwa-Zulu Natal 1; Eastern Cape 2 and 61 in the Western Cape. The
affected birds are divided into distinct categories ? commercial poultry, backyard
poultry, ostriches, hobby birds and wild birds.
Two out of the nine provinces, Limpopo and the Northern Cape Province, have not
been affected by HPAI H5N8. The largest numbers of HPAI H5N8 outbreaks are on
commercial farms and the highest numbers of wild bird outbreaks have been
reported in the Western Cape Province.
The Department of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries (DAFF) has been working very
closely with several role players on critical issues related to the control of the
outbreak of HPAI in South Africa; to find the best means to protect consumers and
support poultry farmers.
Quarantine, culling and safe disposal of infected chickens and other poultry as soon
as possible after detection of infection, is the most effective way to eradicate and to
stop the spread of disease. The movement of live commercial chickens from HPAI
affected properties is not allowed and this is controlled and enforced by the
Provincial Veterinary Services. This has been effective in preventing the spread of
the disease directly from one HPAI affected property to another. To date, none of the
outbreaks could be directly linked to the movement of live birds from an affected
farm.
A system was introduced to allow for movement of healthy live chickens for purposes
other than for slaughter. Provincial Veterinary Services issued health attestations for
small scale farmers and distributors of live chickens and the Poultry Disease
Management Agency (PDMA) was authorised by DAFF to register and keep records
of all parties selling and buying live chickens. This has so far been effective to
prevent the spread of the disease to small scale farmers and backyard breeders on a
large scale.
The issue of vaccination against HPAI has been discussed with various
stakeholders, including the commercial poultry industry. Currently DAFF in
collaboration with the poultry industry, is investigating how a vaccination strategy
could be incorporated as a control measure for specific groups of birds on farms that
will be able to implement the necessary safety measures and testing schedule.
Inputs of vaccine manufacturers and international experts have been taken into
account. This measure might decrease the effects of the HPAI outbreak on the short
term but might have a negative effect on trade. An exit strategy to withdraw
vaccination once the threat of HPAI is passed is also under discussion.
Discussions on how to safeguard rare and endangered birds in zoos were held with
organisation representing these valuable bird collections. A protocol is currently been
finalised for exemption of culling of these birds and a vaccine strategy to protect the
birds from dying.
DAFF is also working closely with the industry to promote ongoing food security
through the importation of fertile broiler hatching eggs, thereby addressing the
shortage in the market, while at the same time ensuring that such imports are
allowed in a safe manner so as not to jeopardise the health status of our national
poultry flock. The Department and Industry task team has finalised the protocol and
this will then be negotiated with trade partners who are already trading with South
Africa and recognised as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza free.
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