In recent months, South Africa has been impacted by a strain of Avian influenza HPAI H5N8 outbreak that has not only negatively impacted the already hard hit poultry and ostrich producers, but the reach of the flu has now begun to pull a strain on the pocket of the consumer. Although the reach of the Avian influenza is countrywide, the Western Cape, which is going through a drought, accounts for about 22% of the poultry numbers in South Africa, it is most likely to feel the pinch the hardest … [Read more...] about How Bird Flu Impacts Your Pocket
bird flu
Major Blow as neighbouring countries ban South African chicken imports
The ban of South African chicken by neighbouring countries will have a negative impact as Zimbabwe, Namibia and Botswana account for a substantial number of our broiler exports. The ban is a major blow to the local industry which has been grappling a downturn over the last two years. Dawie Maree, Head of Information and Marketing for Agriculture at FNB Business said; "We can only hope that the current ban from neighbouring countries is temporary because if it lasts longer than a few more … [Read more...] about Major Blow as neighbouring countries ban South African chicken imports
Avian Flu not a threat to humans, Meat on shelves fit for human consumption
Understandably people are concerned about their health in connection with the outbreak of bird flu in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. The bottom line - don't eat any birds found dead, dying or sick. Obviously this is not going to be the case in our urban areas where we buy meat off the shelf which has been tested and inspected at licensed abattoirs. There are many subtypes of avian influenza viruses, but only some strains of five subtypes have been known to infect humans: H5N1, H7N3, … [Read more...] about Avian Flu not a threat to humans, Meat on shelves fit for human consumption
