Poultry farmers in South Africa are currently facing an unprecedented health crisis. An epidemic of avian flu hits their farms hard, jeopardizing their entire activity. This epizootic, described as “the worst ever known” in the country, has already caused enormous losses for breeders. Quantum Foods, one of the largest players in the market, recorded losses of around $5.3 million, or nearly two million chickens died due to the virus. This alarming figure adds to the difficulties already encountered by Astral, the main chicken producer, which has had to face a shortage of eggs.
This outbreak of avian flu, which occurred in April, is considered the most serious the country has ever experienced. Initially detected in commercial farms, the virus quickly spread, first affecting eggs and then spreading to the animals themselves. It is now estimated that the supply of poultry meat will also be affected.
South Africa, one of the main players in the poultry market on the continent, is now facing a critical situation. Livestock farmers are facing two strains of the virus, H5N1 and H7N6, with the latter spreading at an alarming rate, particularly in the densely populated Pretoria and Johannesburg region.
This avian flu epidemic which is hitting the country is also a global concern. Indeed, we are observing an increase in cases of avian flu in different animal species, ranging from foxes to sea lions. This situation particularly worries the World Health Organization (WHO), which fears that the virus will mutate and become more easily transmitted to humans.
Faced with this major health crisis, it is essential that strict measures are taken to stem the spread of the virus and protect both poultry farms and public health. Breeders must be supported in their efforts to limit losses and find sustainable solutions to deal with this epidemic. Vigilance is also required on an international scale to prevent any expansion of avian flu and its possible adaptability to humans.
In conclusion, the avian flu epidemic in South Africa is a worrying situation which endangers the country’s poultry farms. Concerted action is needed to control the spread of the virus and avoid even greater economic and health losses.