AVIAN FLU: DA calls on govt to assist farmers

As the poultry industry battles a quick spreading strain of the avian flu, the Democratic Alliance(DA) has called on government to assist poultry farmers with vaccines.

SA BATTLES AVIAN FLU OUTBREAK

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Last week, South Africa’s largest poultry producer Astral Foods, announced that the country will face a shortage of chicken in stores as of October.

The company said that to date, the costs associated with the bird flu is around R220 million.

DA’s Shadow Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Noko Masipa has urged Minister Thoko Didiza to provide financial assistance to farmers severely affected by the outbreak.

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DA CALLS FOR QUARANTINE AFFECTED AREAS

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The department’s response is concerning, as it threatens food security and raises chicken prices, impacting vulnerable families. Namibia has even suspended chicken imports from South Africa due to the outbreak”, says Masipa.

To address this crisis, the DA recommends:

1. Providing financial support to affected farmers.

2. Reporting the exact number of bird deaths and the monetary losses incurred.

3. Sourcing, testing, registering, and supplying poultry vaccines within 30-90 days.

4. Establishing emergency funding packages between the government and the private sector.

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Masipa has also called for the affected areas, which according to Astral Foods is Mpumalanga and Gauteng, be quarantined to prevent further spreading of the disease.

“It is crucial that this avian flu outbreak is contained as quickly as possible to save the local poultry industry, preserve jobs and ensure the continued supply of affordable chicken to consumers,” Masipa adds.