Home
FacebookTwitterSearchMenu
  • Subscribe
  • Subscribe
  • News
  • Features
  • Knowledge Library
  • Columns
  • Customs
  • Jobs
  • Directory
  • FX Rates
  • Categories
    • Categories
    • Africa
    • Air Freight
    • BEE
    • Border Beat
    • COVID-19
    • Crime
    • Customs
    • Domestic
    • Duty Calls
    • Economy
    • Employment
    • Energy/Fuel
    • Events
    • Freight & Trading Weekly
    • Imports and Exports
    • Infrastructure
    • International
    • Logistics
    • Other
    • People
    • Road/Rail Freight
    • Sea Freight
    • Skills & Training
    • Social Development
    • Technology
    • Trade/Investment
    • Webinars
  • Contact us
    • Contact us
    • About Us
    • Advertise
    • Send us news
    • Editorial Guidelines
Imports and Exports
Other

Government policy blamed for spread of bird flu

03 May 2024 - by Staff reporter
 Source: IFL Science
0 Comments

Share

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google+
  • LinkedIn
  • E-mail
  • Print

As countries around the world invest millions in vaccinations to curb the spread of bird flu, the South African government remains unyielding in its policy to refuse compensation to farmers – and it’s a policy that’s resulting in the spread of the disease.

That’s the view of FairPlay founder Francois Baird who has called on the government to re-evaluate its compensation policy and provide financial support to poultry farmers who abided by the law and culled their chickens according to state directives during bird flu outbreaks.

The government has refused compensation on the grounds that birds infected by or in contact with the virus had no value.

In France, the state has contributed 85% of the costs of a €100-million vaccination campaign, according to Poultry World, and it’s an investment that has paid off, says the French Department of Agriculture.

Thanks to the massive campaign to vaccinate ducks, which in previous epidemics showed to be highly susceptible to avian influenza, the epidemic has so far this year been far less severe than in some previous years.

It’s also had a knock-on effect on two of France’s neighbours, Belgium and Germany, which have recorded fewer cases, attributed largely to the French campaign. 

In an article in Business Day, Baird said government compensation motivated speedy reporting of outbreaks, resulting in quick action to prevent the spread of the disease.

“When poultry farmers know they won’t be compensated for culled birds, they have no incentive to report a flu outbreak in their flocks,” he said. “The temptation instead is to keep quiet, to delay for as long as possible so as to earn an income in the meantime. Or perhaps they hope that enough birds will survive to enable them to stay in business.”

Poultry farming is a difficult and risky business at the best of times, he says. “In the worst of times, such as when farmers have to destroy all the chickens on their farm, they have no flock and no income. 

“For many, this has proved too much. They give up rather than face an uncertain and very expensive battle to get going again. 

“That is why compensation is so important. It would enable small-scale farmers to restart their businesses and keep their employees in jobs.”

Sign up to our mailing list and get daily news headlines and weekly features directly to your inbox free.
Subscribe to receive print copies of Freight News Features to your door.

MSC confirms weekly continuation of SA-US direct sailings

Sea Freight

In total, eight vessels will be deployed for the express service to America's East Coast.

27 May 2025
0 Comments

DP World plans $2.5 bn expansion

Infrastructure
Logistics

From Ecuador to England and Senegal to India the company is growing its global logistics network through infrastructure investment.

27 May 2025
0 Comments

Box ship sinks off Kochi coast, raising dangerous cargo alarms

Sea Freight

The Indian Coast Guard and the Indian Navy successfully evacuated all 24 crew.

27 May 2025
0 Comments

OPINION: Who’s leading the charge in SA's supply chain digital revolution?

Logistics
Technology
Trade/Investment

The report highlights a clear shift from reactive supply chain strategies to predictive and proactive models, powered by real-time data and AI.

26 May 2025
0 Comments

South Africa will dodge 30% tariff bullet – Steenhuisen

Imports and Exports
Trade/Investment
26 May 2025
0 Comments

Import activity picks up as April’s tariff threat settles

Imports and Exports

One respondent described the situation as an existential threat to the viability of their business.

26 May 2025
0 Comments

DBSA invests R100 million in Charge’s EV plans

Road/Rail Freight
Technology

Each charging station will be completely off-grid, powered by solar energy and battery storage.

26 May 2025
0 Comments

RFA conference spotlights burning issues

Events
Logistics
Road/Rail Freight

Shifting freight to rail, using AI to combat driver fatigue, and the impact of looming B-BBEE rules in focus.

26 May 2025
0 Comments

Delays are part of the price for security

Logistics
Technology

The PLACI data is used to assess the potential aviation security risk posed by the consignment.

26 May 2025
0 Comments

Teta summit a wellspring of freight forwarding insights

Logistics

Several dignitaries are scheduled to attend the summit, including Transport Minister Barbara Creecy.

26 May 2025
0 Comments

New salt storage facility opened at the Port of Walvis Bay

Infrastructure
Logistics

Dust pollution from the Namib Desert became a threat to Walvis Bay Salt.

23 May 2025
0 Comments

Creecy announces R51bn guarantee for Transnet

Logistics

The government facility aims to support the ports and rail operator on its journey to economic and operational recovery.

23 May 2025
0 Comments
  • More

FeatureClick to view

Namibia 23 May 2025

Border Beat

BMA steps in to help DG and FMCG cargo at Groblersbrug
21 May 2025
The N4 Maputo Corridor crossing – congestion, crime and potholes
12 May 2025
Fuel-crime curbing causes tanker build-up at Moz border
08 May 2025
More

Featured Jobs

New

JNR Seafreight Export Controller

Tiger Recruitment
Johannesburg (Linbro Park)
28 May
New

Supply Chain Specialist

Lee Botti & Associates
Cape Town
28 May
More Jobs
  • © Now Media
  • Privacy Policy
  • Freight News RSS
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Send us news
  • Contact us