The South African poultry industry has called on Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Thoko Didiza, to implement a process to streamline access to vaccinations against the H7N6 strain of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).
The SA Poultry Association (Sapa) made the call this week as the industry struggles to recover from significant losses incurred, including the culling of 9.5 million birds, due to outbreaks of avian flu across the country.
“The industry is sounding the alarm for immediate intervention to avert another catastrophic outbreak. Traditionally reliant on a stamping out policy, the industry acknowledges the inefficiency of this approach against the H7N6 strain,” Sapa said.
“With no compensation mechanism in place for culled birds, producers shoulder the heavy burden of financial losses, including the costs associated with cleaning infected premises and restocking farms.”
Sapa said the toll had been particularly harsh on smaller producers as many had been “forced out of business”, while larger companies reported record financial losses.
“Recognizing the urgent need for a proactive strategy, the South African poultry industry is advocating for the mandatory implementation of Avian Influenza vaccination,” the association said.
However, current regulations posed significant challenges, with stringent biosecurity standards and monitoring protocols hindering widespread vaccination efforts, Sapa said.
“Despite the industry's willingness to comply, no company has yet met the rigorous requirements for vaccination, underscoring the urgency for practical solutions.”
France was one example of the successful vaccination of 21 million ducks to curb HPAI outbreaks, the association said.
“Urgent action is needed to align vaccination requirements with practical implementation, ensuring that companies of all sizes can effectively protect their flocks and prevent future disasters,” Sapa said.
“The South African poultry industry urges Minister Didiza to spearhead a process that addresses the critical issues hampering vaccination efforts. By establishing practical, science-based guidelines and resolving existing barriers, the government can safeguard food security, mitigate economic losses and protect against the environmental impact of mass bird culling.
“In the face of looming threats, the South African poultry industry stands ready to collaborate with government
