Government orders first-ever mass vaccination of poultry in SA, as cattle rollout continues

The South African Department of Agriculture has announced the country’s first ever mass vaccination of poultry.

This comes amid a severe outbreak of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Brazil, which led to South Africa suspending its poultry imports from the South American country.

Earlier this year the South African Poultry Association (SAPA) warned that the country could face catastrophic consequences without vaccination against the highly pathogenic bird flu.

South Africa’s Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, said the Department’s vaccination team, together with the Agricultural Research Council, would be working through a list of farms received by the poultry industry and would be prioritising high-risk areas.

“We have secured vaccine supply, ensured cold chain capacity, and are building in traceability and reporting mechanisms as part of a wider preparedness strategy,” Steenhuisen said.

The government’s vaccination team, which consists of poultry specialist vets from the University of Pretoria, would be further assisted by 50 animal health technicians on short term contracts.

Combating foot-and-mouth disease

The Department of Agriculture also provided an update on its progress in tackling the severe foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in the country. 

It said vaccines to cover the KwaZulu-Natal area had now been ordered. More than 900,000 doses have been ordered, with the first batch expected to arrive next week.

The Department said there were still signs of active virus circulation in the province, within the Disease Management Area, but some outbreaks have been detected outside of this zone. However, a system has been put in place to assess the level of biosecurity on individual farms.

Regarding the Gauteng outbreak, the Department said it was currently assessing the situation, including forward and backward tracing.

Karan Beef is currently working with State Veterinary Services on a containment plan, following an outbreak at its Heidelberg facility this week.

“These plans are not only about responding to outbreaks, but also about building permanent infrastructure to manage future risks," Steenhuisen said.

“More broadly, we are establishing a Biosecurity Council that will bring together the South African Police Service (SAPS), veterinarians, scientists, the Border Management Authority, and industry. We are rolling out a farm to fork national traceability system for livestock,” the Minister added.

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