A recent webinar organized by A Fairplay highlighted the necessity of joint efforts by the government and the poultry industry to prevent a recurrence of the avian flu outbreak that occurred in 2023.
A recent webinar organized by A Fairplay highlighted the necessity of joint efforts by the government and the poultry industry to prevent a recurrence of the avian flu outbreak that occurred in 2023.
Participants in the event included FairPlay founder Francois Baillard, Isaac Brightenhabe from SA Poultry Association, vaccination expert Obed Lukhele from Astral Foods, and John Fury Jr. from poultry producer Chubby Chicks. Attendees agreed that South Africa must avoid repeating the 2023 avian flu outbreaks, which caused serious damage to the poultry industry, and that achieving this goal requires close interaction between producers and the state.
Brightenhabe noted that although the poultry industry is not facing a rinderpest crisis like cattle farmers, the avian flu problem remains extremely serious and requires immediate attention. He warned that avian flu could occur at any time, and the vaccination program started now will only take effect next year. He also stated that since the government is actively assisting beef farmers, similar support should be provided to poultry farmers.
Brightenhabe specified that there are 35 million laying hens requiring vaccination, and for the program to work effectively, a vaccination rate of about 70% must be achieved. He expressed hope that the new Minister of Agriculture, Willie Aukamp, will publish revised vaccination requirements. These requirements were developed but not released following complaints from the poultry industry regarding the excessive complexity of the standards set by the Department of Agriculture. The lack of agreement on practical and accessible requirements has delayed large-scale vaccination for almost three years, with only one producer, Astral, having vaccinated one site.
Brightenhabe also hoped that Minister Aukamp would meet with industry leaders so they could present him with information on the scale, complexity, and national importance of the poultry industry. Lukhele, who participates in the vaccination program at Astral, emphasized that data-driven vaccination is a necessary complement to biosecurity measures and other management actions. He added that without vaccination, a new avian flu outbreak could have devastating consequences. Lukhele also reported that producers will be able to export chicken if their vaccination process is scientifically sound, mentioning two vaccination protocols (two or three doses) for adult birds and chicks.
Fury noted that the 2023 avian flu outbreak changed the operating methods of poultry companies. Although the country is better prepared due to improved biosecurity procedures, farmers urgently need an affordable vaccination program. He expressed hope that government assistance would include covering the cost of vaccines. Stressing the theme of 'collaboration,' he stated that all stakeholders—government and large and small poultry producers—must urgently unite to begin mass vaccination. Brightenhabe concluded the discussion by stating that the poultry industry will cooperate with Minister Aukamp to find the best solution so that farmers do not repeat the experience of 2023.
Residents of South Africa have received an urgent warning from conservation authorities: they should avoid the coast and any contact with wild animals amid the ongoing outbreak of a highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza, which is severely affecting wild bird populations along the West Coast.
The reason for this warning is World Bird Day. Specialists are asking visitors and coastal residents not to touch, move, or attempt to rescue sick or dead birds. Furthermore, pets are instructed to stay away from infected areas to prevent further spread of the virus.
Conservation organizations have increased monitoring as experts warn that some strains can cross species barriers and infect humans. Although human cases remain rare, people vacationing on beaches are advised to seek immediate medical attention if they develop flu-like symptoms after possible exposure.
Dr. Ashley Naidu, Executive Director of CapeNature, emphasized that seabirds serve as important indicators of the health of fragile marine and coastal ecosystems. He noted that the public can actively assist conservation agencies by reporting suspicious cases and strictly adhering to safety rules, thereby reducing risks to both wildlife and people.
To help authorities track the disease's spread, map affected areas, and coordinate emergency measures, people are asked to observe any affected animals from a safe distance. Witnesses should record the exact location, date, species, number of affected birds, and any specific clinical signs of the illness, which typically include severe neurological symptoms such as tremors, loss of coordination, and disorientation.
Currently, there is no treatment for this virus in wild populations. When veterinary teams confirm infection, authorities regularly organize humane euthanasia to prevent unnecessary suffering and stop the chain of transmission.
To report live, suffering seabirds, contact the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB). Reports of single deceased seabirds should be submitted online through the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment's coastal information systems at arcg.is/1585011 or via the official platform ocims.environment.gov.za. In emergencies, when multiple dead birds are found together, local rescue networks, the municipality, CapeNature, or SANParks must be notified immediately at 083 236 2924 or by email at estuaries@capenature.co.za for safe biosecure removal.
Other categories of live birds should be reported to the local government veterinarian, and any other dead wild birds should be directed to provincial conservation authorities. Officials stressed that every report provided by the public offers vital data for protecting South Africa's remaining wildlife.
