The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) has issued an urgent warning that South Africa is on the brink of an Avian Influenza (AI) crisis.

Without swift intervention, another outbreak could devastate the poultry industry, endanger wild bird populations, and cause immense suffering for millions of birds.

The most effective way to curb an AI outbreak is rapid culling of infected birds to prevent further spread. However, the NSPCA stresses that vaccination could play a crucial role in mitigating future outbreaks—but access to vaccines remains restricted due to regulatory hurdles.

On November 25, 2024, the NSPCA formally called on Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen to prioritise vaccination access, alongside stringent and feasible biosecurity measures. However, the poultry industry continues to face roadblocks, including impractical policies, costly monitoring systems, and bureaucratic red tape.

To date, the NSPCA has received no response from the minister and has since sent a follow-up letter, urging immediate action.

“This is both an animal welfare emergency and a looming economic disaster, with potential losses amounting to millions of rands,” warns Senior Inspector Nazareth Appalsamy, Manager of the NSPCA’s Farm Animal Protection Unit.

The NSPCA recently met with the South African Poultry Association (SAPA), which agrees that humane culling and preventative measures are essential. However, without decisive government intervention, another outbreak appears inevitable.

The NSPCA is demanding urgent revisions to vaccination regulations to make solutions more accessible and prevent further suffering. As the Department of Agriculture is responsible for enforcing the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962, it must place animal welfare at the forefront of its policies.

With migratory birds returning to South Africa at various times throughout the year, the risk of a fresh outbreak is increasing daily.

“This is a disaster waiting to happen,” the NSPCA warns. “It’s only a matter of time before it’s too late.”

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