Avian Flu Confirmed in Mpumalanga, South Africa

The department said the affected farm has been quarantined and culling of the affected animals has been completed.

“The department is conducting forward and backward tracing to trace movement of all poultry in and out of the farm in order to establish the source of the influenza,” the department said in a statement.

The department has also established a 30km control zone in Mpumalanga and Free State.

“The two provinces are conducting surveillance in the 30km control zone for other potentially affected properties. All provinces have been notified and are on high alert,” the department said.

Several other control measures have been implemented to prevent the spread of the disease, including the “humane” euthanising of birds at the infected sites.

“We have placed a general ban on the sale of live spent hens across the country until further notice.

Trading partners have been notified and exports of processed poultry products, live chickens and fresh products from registered poultry compartments will continue, depending on the requirements of the importing countries.

To date, no human cases of infection with avian influenza H5N8 have been reported, however the department warned people handling wild birds, sick or dying poultry to wear protective clothing and wash their hands with disinfectants.

“Meat from healthy poultry is safe for consumption as it is subjected to strict meat inspection processes at abattoirs. We urge people to avoid consumption of birds found dead, dying or sick. No effective treatment for the disease has been found.

“Infected animals must be humanely destroyed and disposed of properly to prevent the disease from spreading. If you suspect your flock has contracted the disease, quarantine the affected birds and area immediately. Notify your nearest State Veterinarian of any suspected cases,” the department advised.

HPAI is a rapidly spreading viral disease that can infect many types of birds and is highly contagious.

It exists naturally in many birds and can be transmitted by coming into contact with infected animals or through ingestion of infected food or water. – SAnews.gov.za