South Africa’s plans to roll out vaccination against bird flu in the poultry sector have stalled, according to the latest quarterly avian influenza report from the South African Poultry Association (Sapa).
Progress on the anticipated vaccination campaign has effectively halted, raising concerns about the country’s readiness for future outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
According to the report, the delay stems from the slow progress of a task team appointed by Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen in June last year. The task team was formed to resolve differences between government and the poultry industry on the rules governing a mass vaccination programme.
However, Sapa reports that the team has not yet been formally permitted to begin its work.
“The task team has been unable to make progress with its task as, at the date of writing, no formal terms of reference have been received, nor has the exact composition of the team been finalised,” Sapa said.
In addition, the report noted that no discussions had taken place between the Director of Animal Health and the Sapa task team in the past eight months.
At the core of this standstill lies disagreements over the regulatory framework for vaccination. The poultry industry argued that the department’s proposed requirements were too complex and costly to implement. Industry stakeholders claim they are seeking a more practical and affordable approach that would allow vaccination to begin.
Although some limited progress has been made under existing protocols, Sapa reported that a few broiler breeder farms had been approved to vaccinate against HPAI. However, delays for other organisations persist.
“Despite promises that South Africa is going to vaccinate against HPAI, no other companies have been approved to vaccinate.”
The industry has warned that delays are occurring at a time when bird flu continues to spread globally, increasing the risk of further outbreaks that could threaten domestic poultry production and food security.
On the other hand, the stalled programme contrasts with the roll-out of vaccination against foot-and-mouth disease in cattle, a campaign aimed at protecting the country’s herd of about 14 million animals.
Poultry producers say a similar approach is needed to safeguard the sector, with Sapa warning that progress on HPAI vaccination in South Africa is at a standstill.
