The South African Poultry Association (Sapa) has confirmed that around 300 birds died of avian flu at the commercial chicken farm in Ekurhuleni. The samples from the farm have tested positive for the H5 strain.  SAPPA says so far the outbreak has been contained to the one farm and Sapa is monitoring the situation closely and will continue to engage with the Department of agriculture, land reform and rural development, and other relevant stakeholders to contain the outbreak. 

 In a statement, Sapa said the farm was quarantined and that the N-type would be established on Wednesday after conclusive testing at Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute.

“The whole industry has been placed on high alert and the appropriate biosecurity contingency plans implemented as advised, which will include a restriction on people and bird movement for both bigger companies and SMME’s,” 
 
According to the statement, consumers have nothing to worry about when it comes to the meat and eggs which are already on the shelves, as long as normal food safety steps are followed in preparations. “Consumers are reminded that meat and eggs on the shelves are safe for consumption as long as normal food-safety steps are followed when preparing meals. 

" Poultry meat stocks in the country are sufficient due to increased production during the last year and a half and to an extent a reduction in consumption of poultry meat during the Covid-19 pandemic.” Said Sapa