The South African poultry industry is calling on Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen to take urgent action in facilitating the implementation of a bird flu vaccination programme, as concerns grow over another potential outbreak.
According to Izaak Breitenbach, head of the South African Poultry Association (SAPA), the current government regulations are too stringent, making it nearly impossible for producers to start vaccinating their flocks. Despite the availability of vaccines, not a single dose has been administered due to these restrictive policies.
A Looming Crisis for Poultry Farmers
South Africa experienced its worst bird flu outbreak in history in 2023, leading to R9.5 billion in losses and severe chicken shortages. With bird flu cases rising globally and migratory birds posing a continuous risk, poultry producers fear a repeat crisis unless immediate action is taken.
“The Department of Agriculture has set extremely high vaccination requirements, even more stringent than those in the European Union,” said Breitenbach. “The regulations are so demanding that no poultry producer has been able to meet them, leaving the industry vulnerable to another devastating outbreak.”
Overly Strict Testing Requirements
One of the major obstacles is the large number of mandatory tests imposed on poultry farmers. Each farm must be tested monthly and subjected to weekly inspections, requiring an unrealistic increase in veterinary resources.
“The number of tests required is excessive,” Breitenbach noted. “While some testing is necessary, the current regulations are simply not practical or affordable for the industry.”
A Call for Political Intervention
Breitenbach believes that only a political decision by Minister Steenhuisen can resolve the deadlock and make the vaccination programme viable.
“It’s up to the Minister to revise the requirements to a level that allows practical, affordable, and effective implementation,” he said.
Lessons from France: The Power of Vaccination
While bird flu vaccination is still not widely adopted in major poultry-producing countries, some nations have successfully used it to control outbreaks.
“In France, they vaccinated 20 million ducks and recorded only one outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza, which was immediately contained,” Breitenbach explained. “This proves that vaccination can be a highly effective solution in preventing large-scale losses.”
An Urgent Need for Action
With bird flu currently sweeping across Europe and North America, the risk of another outbreak in South Africa—and the broader African continent—is extremely high.
“It could happen any day now,” Breitenbach warned. “If we don’t act swiftly, we could face massive losses, price hikes, and food shortages.”
The South African poultry industry is urging the government to act now before another crisis unfolds. By adopting more practical vaccination policies, the country can protect both farmers and consumers from the devastating impacts of avian influenza.
