Struggling to find EGGS? Here is why
Are you struggling to find EGGS? This is due to avian flu, which could last until the end of October. Here is more information.
The South African Poultry Association (Sapa) has confirmed that a shortage of chicken and eggs as a result of avian flu could last until the end of October.
STRUGGLING TO FIND EGGS? HERE IS WHY
This comes as a number of retailers have been warning customers about shortages in the market.
ALSO READ: Bird flu update: Rainbow culls 410 000 birds as outbreak spreads
Sapa general manager Abongile Balarane said South Africa had been hit by the third cycle of avian flu and a new strain of the virus called H7N6 had been discovered.
‘THIS STRAIN WE’VE SEEN IS VERY CATASTROPHIC IN GAUTENG AND MPUMALANGA’
“This strain we’ve seen is very catastrophic in the areas of Gauteng and Mpumalanga. To date, we’ve lost a significant number of chickens from both strains. We have lost more than 15 to 20 percent of the national production in South Africa.”Abongile Balarane
ALSO READ: SA poultry farmers warn of chicken and egg shortages after bird flu outbreak
Taking to social media, many people expressed how saddened they were not to find this important food item on store shelves.
It’s almost like I knew this day would come😂. I hardly have eggs and will definitely survive the duration of the shortage https://t.co/XJ62T7ykDh
— Jonty Sass (@JayteeSass) September 30, 2023
MORE THAN 400 000 CHICKENS HAVE BEEN CULLED
Accor South Africa’s RCL Foods (RCLJ.J) said on Thursday its poultry unit Rainbow has culled 410 000 chickens due to the country’s worst outbreak of avian flu, heightening fears of chicken meat and egg shortages.
The outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), a bird flu that spreads rapidly in an infected flock, causing a high death rate, has already impacted table egg supplies in the country and producers have warned of chicken meat shortages in the coming weeks.
NAMIBIA SUSPENDED POULTRY IMPORTS FROM SA
On Wednesday, neighbouring Namibia suspended poultry imports from South Africa, citing the bird flu outbreak. However, South Africa only exports between 1% and 2% of its production, according to the country’s poultry producers’ association.
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ABOUT THE AVIAN FLU
The H5N is an airborne disease and type of bird flu. It primarily affects birds but can be passed to humans through the infected birds. Human-to-human contact is possible but rare. Those most at risk are the people in close contact with infected birds, such as those working in the poultry sector, farmers or veterinarians. It is advised that these individuals wear protective gear when handling animals.
ALSO READ: Seven things YOU need to know about the SUPER-INFECTIOUS bird flu in SA