Western Cape on high alert after Avian Flu outbreak in Gauteng

The Western Cape provincial government reassured the public that ostrich and chicken meat on sale in retail outlets was safe for human consumption, but urged vigilance.

CAPE TOWN, April 15 (ANA) – South Africa’s Western Cape province is on alert after an outbreak of Avian flu in Gauteng, the member of the executive council for agriculture Dr Ivan Meyer said on Thursday.

In a statement, Meyer said there had not been any cases of the flu recorded yet in the Western Cape.

Avian influenza is a viral respiratory disease believed to be transmitted by wild migratory birds. In southern Africa, the H5N8 strain of the disease affects the poultry industry.

“We are thankful that the South African Poultry Association has placed the whole industry on high alert, and appropriate biosecurity contingency plans are being implemented,” Meyer said.

He reassured the public that ostrich and chicken meat on sale in retail outlets was safe for human consumption, but urged vigilance.

Meyer also emphasised the importance of reporting sick or dead birds, be it wild birds or poultry, to local authorities, veterinary services, public health officials and community leaders.

“Farmers and poultry producers are encouraged to heighten their biosecurity measures to prevent potential virus introduction from wild birds or their faeces,” he said.

“It is crucial to keep poultry and other animals away from wild birds and their body fluids through screens, fencing or nets.”

Meyer said commercial poultry operations and backyard poultry owners should avoid introducing the virus through contaminated clothing, footwear, vehicles or equipment used in waterfowl hunting.

Veterinary services would continue to monitor the situation in the Western Cape, he added.

– African News Agency (ANA), Editing by Stella Mapenzauswa