Global trade in frozen poultry remains free of any documented cases linking highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) to local flock infections, despite outbreaks in countries like China, the United States and parts of Europe.
Veterinary authorities worldwide confirm no instances of HPAI transmission through imported frozen chicken meat, emphasising the effectiveness of existing biosecurity measures, reports Chicken Facts News.
South Africa’s Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development enforces strict import protocols, including automatic suspension of poultry imports from regions affected by HPAI.
These measures align with World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) guidelines, prioritising biosecurity while supporting food system resilience. Trade bans and regionalisation protocols, such as those applied to US exports, are precautionary rather than responses to proven transmission risks.
The US Department of Agriculture maintains rigorous biosecurity and surveillance systems. Poultry exports are permitted only from HPAI-free regions, and the US avoids vaccinating poultry to ensure transparent virus detection.
South Africa’s trade agreement with the US mandates an automatic import suspension from any state reporting an HPAI outbreak. While the WOAH allows trade restrictions to lift after 28 days, the US adheres to a 90-day waiting period for South Africa, reflecting a cautious approach.
Sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) law expert, Dr Biandri Joubert, told the publication that the US’s self-imposed trade restrictions were a “positive step”.
“It doesn't compromise on food safety or animal health, as far as I'm aware. I think it comes down to the trust that the two governments are showing towards each other. If the US has agreed to a stricter waiting period before resuming exports, that can be seen as a goodwill gesture towards South Africa.”
Joubert said SPS measures, including import permits and additional checks, ensure safety without compromising trade.
“In the context of SPS measures, the waiting period after an outbreak is only one measure. Imports still require a permit, and additional checks and controls remain in place before poultry products can reach South African consumers.”
