Poultry farmers in South Africa are facing an unprecedented crisis. An avian epizootic, described as the worst ever encountered in the country, threatens to decimate all chicken farms. This situation greatly worries operators and endangers an entire sector.
Quantum Foods, one of the major players in the market, has already recorded losses reaching 5.3 million dollars (4.9 million euros), the equivalent of two million chickens decimated by the virus. Astral, South Africa’s leading chicken producer, also previously announced an egg shortage.
Experts agree that this is the most serious outbreak of bird flu ever observed in the country. The first cases appeared on commercial farms in April, first affecting eggs before spreading to poultry meat. This situation therefore risks impacting the supply of poultry products.
South Africa is one of the poultry market leaders on the continent. The South African Poultry Association says farmers are facing two strains of the virus, H5N1 and H7N6. The latter is spreading at an alarming speed, particularly in the most populous province of the country, bringing together Pretoria and Johannesburg.
Avian flu is a global threat, now affecting animals ranging from foxes to sea lions. It is therefore concerning that the virus could potentially adapt to more easily infect humans, which is causing great concern within the World Health Organization (WHO).
This situation highlights the importance of strengthening prevention and control measures in poultry farms, as well as the need to develop strategies to combat animal epidemics. South African authorities and industry players must work together to stem this crisis and limit the resulting economic and health consequences.
It is crucial to raise public awareness of avian flu issues and provide reliable and up-to-date information on the ongoing situation. It is also essential to support breeders affected by this epizootic by putting in place aid and compensation measures.
In conclusion, bird flu in South Africa poses a serious threat to the country’s poultry industry. Farmers are facing considerable losses and the supply of poultry meat is compromised. It is essential to act quickly and effectively to combat this epidemic and protect public health.