Latest news with #HighlyPathogenicAvianInfluenza
IOL News
2 days ago
- Health
- IOL News
South Africa partially lifts poultry import ban from Brazil, producers rejoice
Poultry products producers and agriculture associations have welcomed the news by the Department of Agriculture to partially lift the ban on imports of poultry and poultry products from Brazil from Thursday. Image: supplied Poultry product producers and agriculture associations have welcomed the news by the Department of Agriculture that it has partially lifted the ban on imports of poultry and poultry products from Brazil from Thursday. The ban was imposed due to an outbreak of Avian flu in Brazil. The Department of Agriculture has since said that the ban has been contained to one state in Brazil. Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen announced that South Africa will partially lift the suspension on imports of all poultry and poultry products from Brazil, effective on Thursday. 'This decision follows the receipt of a second report from Brazil's Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, confirming that the outbreak has been contained to a single state,' Steenhuisen said. 'However, this partial lifting remains conditional and may be revoked if the outbreak is found to have spread to other states within Brazil.' Georg Southey, the manager at Merlog Foods, said this decision was a welcome and necessary move. 'The partial lifting of the import ban will be applied to all other states of Brazil, aside from the Rio Grande do Sul region, where the outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, was detected mid-May," Southey said, "The decision to partially lift this ban could not have come at a more critical time. South Africa has been losing over 100 million meals per week due to the ban, putting pressure on food affordability and security, especially as Stats SA reports that up to 30% of households in some provinces face regular hunger.' Brazil supplies 95% of South Africa's mechanically deboned meat (MDM), a key ingredient in everyday staples like polony, viennas, and sausages. Southey explained that these affordable proteins are essential to school feeding schemes and low-income families, and no other country could fill the gap. He said, "I commend the Department and the Minister of Agriculture for responding swiftly to industry concerns and for engaging constructively with Brazilian authorities to implement a regionalisation protocol. By allowing imports from unaffected areas of Brazil to resume, this decision strikes a vital balance between biosecurity and national food needs.' Arnold Prinsloo, the CEO of Eskort, too welcomed the "speedy response from the government", but said South Africa was by no means out of the woods yet. 'Although the Department of Agriculture has agreed to a partial lifting of the suspension, the process is as follows: Brazil has to send a certificate to the government, and together they need to agree on legalities and wording," he said. Prinsloo explained that once that certificate is in place, South Africa can only then place orders to Brazil. Production has stopped in Brazil, so there will be a two-week lead time on production. Then orders will take six weeks to get to South Africa, and then one to two weeks to clear customs. 'Thus there will still be an impact on consumers and business and food security at large. We do have stock in place, but many of the smaller suppliers are in trouble and will remain so,' Prinsloo said. The South African Meat Processors Association (Sampra) also welcomed the announcement, saying it will avert significant shortages of affordable protein such as polony, viennas, and braai wors on South African shelves. Gordon Nicoll, the chairperson of Sampra, said, "We are grateful for the urgency displayed by the Department of Agriculture in averting the full-scale social and humanitarian crisis which the ban imposed on 16 May threatened to unleash. 'While it will take some time for imports of MDM to reach our shores, the situation could have been significantly worse.' Francois Rossouw, the CEO of Southern African Agri Initiative, said the decision by the Department reflects a much-needed shift towards a science-based and internationally aligned approach to managing animal health risks through regionalisation. BUSINESS REPORT Visit:
IOL News
3 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
South Africa eases poultry ban : Relief in sight for struggling households
The decision to partially lift this ban could not have come at a more critical time. South Africa has been losing over 100 million meals per week due to the ban, putting pressure on food affordability and security, especially as Stats SA reports that up to 30% of households in some provinces face regular hunger. Merlog Foods has welcomed the Department of Agriculture's decision to partially lift the suspension on poultry product imports from Brazil. The group, South Africa's largest importers of chicken and chilled meats and suppliers of local and foreign protein to major retailers and meat processors, said the move is a timely intervention aimed at alleviating pressing food security issues in South Africa. Effective from June 19, this partial lifting will permit imports from all regions of Brazil, with the exception of Rio Grande do Sul, where an outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, was reported in mid-May. This critical shift in policy comes as South Africa grapples with significant food shortages, resulting in the loss of more than 100 million meals each week due to the import ban. The looming threat of hunger is palpable; recent statistics from Stats SA reveal that up to 30% of households in certain provinces routinely face food insecurity, creating urgent demands for a reliable food supply.
IOL News
4 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
South Africa secures chicken imports from the US amid bird flu crisis
As bird flu cases rise in the US, South Africa's desperate need for chicken imports leads to a crucial agreement with the US government Image: Pexels/IOL Even though there have been 70 cases of bird flu – Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza – reported in the United States, South Africa has approved a special, year-long arrangement with that country to bring in chicken. This comes as all poultry products have been banned from entering several countries, including South Africa, due to a bird flu outbreak there. On May 15, 2025, Brazil confirmed its first-ever case of bird flu, which results in South Africa losing up to 100 million animal protein meals for every week the ban continues. Merlog Foods, a chicken importer, has welcomed the agreement with the US, said GM Georg Southey. 'South Africa's Department of Agriculture has, in a welcome move, approved a special, year-long arrangement with the United States of America that allows for a more dynamic trade response to avian influenza or bird flu outbreaks ensuring a continued supply of chicken imports into South Africa, thus increasing food security,' he said in a statement. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has logged 24 incidences of the deadly virus at poultry farms and culling operations. Its tracker noted that this exposure was associated with commercial agriculture and related operations. Overall, the CDC said that there were 70 cases in the US, with 64 of these detected through targeted H5 surveillance. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ However, Southey said that the deal ensures that chicken is only exported to South Africa from safe areas. The agreement was publicised in a letter released this week by the Department of Agriculture, and it 'empowers the US to manage its own internal chicken trade restrictions by state, depending on the presence or absence of bird flu outbreaks,' he said. If there is a highly pathogenic avian influenza or bird flu outbreak, the US will stop exports from a specific state and resume exports when safe, Southey said. 'The agreement allows local importers of essential affordable protein needed by millions of South Africans to access safe chicken with ease and removes onerous paperwork and delays,' Southey noted. Imported affordable proteins are essential for food security in South Africa where up to 30% of households in some provinces face regular hunger according to a recent Statistics South Africa. Calling on South Africa to sign similar agreements with other countries, he pointed to the fact that there were other agreements in place. 'Many countries which import chicken from Brazil have already implemented regionalisation process to allow safe imports to continue. These countries include Japan, Mexico, Cuba and notably neighbouring Namibia,' he said. IOL
IOL News
4 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
South Africa secures chicken imports from the US amid bird flu crisis
As bird flu cases rise in the US, South Africa's desperate need for chicken imports leads to a crucial agreement with the US government Image: Pexels/IOL Even though there have been 70 cases of bird flu – Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza – reported in the United States, South Africa has approved a special, year-long arrangement with that country to bring in chicken. This comes as all poultry products have been banned from entering several countries, including South Africa, due to a bird flu outbreak there. On May 15, 2025, Brazil confirmed its first-ever case of bird flu, which results in South Africa losing up to 100 million animal protein meals for every week the ban continues. Merlog Foods, a chicken importer, has welcomed the agreement with the US, said GM Georg Southey. 'South Africa's Department of Agriculture has, in a welcome move, approved a special, year-long arrangement with the United States of America that allows for a more dynamic trade response to avian influenza or bird flu outbreaks ensuring a continued supply of chicken imports into South Africa, thus increasing food security,' he said in a statement. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has logged 24 incidences of the deadly virus at poultry farms and culling operations. Its tracker noted that this exposure was associated with commercial agriculture and related operations. Overall, the CDC said that there were 70 cases in the US, with 64 of these detected through targeted H5 surveillance. However, Southey said that the deal ensures that chicken is only exported to South Africa from safe areas. The agreement was publicised in a letter released this week by the Department of Agriculture, and it 'empowers the US to manage its own internal chicken trade restrictions by state, depending on the presence or absence of bird flu outbreaks,' he said. If there is a highly pathogenic avian influenza or bird flu outbreak, the US will stop exports from a specific state and resume exports when safe, Southey said. 'The agreement allows local importers of essential affordable protein needed by millions of South Africans to access safe chicken with ease and removes onerous paperwork and delays,' Southey noted. Imported affordable proteins are essential for food security in South Africa where up to 30% of households in some provinces face regular hunger according to a recent Statistics South Africa. Calling on South Africa to sign similar agreements with other countries, he pointed to the fact that there were other agreements in place. 'Many countries which import chicken from Brazil have already implemented regionalisation process to allow safe imports to continue. These countries include Japan, Mexico, Cuba and notably neighbouring Namibia,' he said. IOL
IOL News
6 days ago
- Health
- IOL News
South Africa launches mass vaccination programme for poultry against avian influenza
The South African Poultry Association (SAPA) and agriculture associations have welcomed the department of Agriculture's decision to roll out the first ever mass vaccination of poultry in the country in order to protect the local flock from avian influenza. Image: File The South African Poultry Association (SAPA) and agriculture associations have welcomed the department of Agriculture's decision to roll out the first ever mass vaccination of poultry in the country in order to protect the local flock from avian influenza. SAPA also confirmed that despite concerns about a salmonella outbreak in the United States, eggs in South Africa remain safe to consume. Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen last week said that their vaccination team, comprised of poultry specialist vets from the University of Pretoria, along with the Agricultural Research Council, has received a list of farms to be vaccinated from the poultry industry and is prioritising high-risk areas and commercial flocks to contain the virus and prevent further culling. 'We have secured vaccine supply, ensured cold chain capacity, and are building in traceability and reporting mechanisms as part of a wider preparedness strategy.' In a statement, SAPA said that they were pleased that Deputy Director-General for Agricultural Production, Biosecurity, and Natural Resources Management, Dipepeneneng Serage, confirmed at the AVI Africa conference that the government will proceed with the vaccination strategy against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). Serage highlighted the department's commitment to ensuring that farming can continue safely and sustainably. 'My job is to bring science and legislation together and allow farmers to farm without risking anyone's health, while positioning South Africa as a net exporter of food.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ SAPA said that the government's HPAI vaccination strategy is a controlled, science-based approach that will focus on four key pillars: Controlled Use of Vaccines – Only vaccines registered in South Africa will be used. Sales and distribution will be strictly controlled, and farmers must register and comply with biosecurity and surveillance protocols. Biosecurity – Enhanced on-farm practices will remain critical to preventing disease spread. Traceability – All vaccinated flocks must be trackable to maintain export integrity and health transparency. Surveillance – Ongoing monitoring will ensure early detection and effective management of any outbreaks. Serage said that South Africa is ready to begin vaccinations immediately. 'Three H5 vaccines have been officially registered for use, with an H7 vaccine currently under development. One farm is already under evaluation for compliance and may be the first to begin vaccinations under the new framework. 'We have the data, we know which farms we're starting with — now we have to start.' SAPA said that this move represents a major step forward for biosecurity in South Africa's poultry industry and signals the government's determination to protect both public health and the country's agricultural economy. Francois Rossouw, the CEO of Southern African Agri Initiative (Saai), said that vaccination is a big deal for the poultry industry. 'It can really help cut down on outbreaks, which means less stress and losses for farmers. This is a great way to keep the virus in check, especially in areas where it's a big risk. It'll help protect both big farms and smaller ones.' Rossouw added that by reducing HPAI cases, we can keep production steady and make sure there's enough supply. 'That's key for food security and farmers' livelihoods. I know there are trade concerns with vaccination, but it's all about finding a balance. We need to keep our birds healthy while also chatting with our trade partners about it. It's crucial that vaccination comes with good monitoring and biosecurity measures. We want to make sure everything's managed well. This vaccination move should be part of a bigger strategy to handle avian flu. Ongoing research and teamwork with everyone involved will be super important.' In a separate statement, Dr. Abongile Balarane, CEO: South African Poultry Association (Egg Organisation), said that they take note of the circulating social media posts on Salmonella cases in California in the United States of America. 'We confirm that there are no current Salmonella cases in South Africa that have caused people to be hospitalised. We further confirm that there are currently no confirmed cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird flu) in poultry in South Africa. It is therefore safe to consume eggs and poultry meat.' Balarane added that any cases of Salmonella and Avian influenza in South Africa will be officially reported by the National Department of Health together with the National Department of Agriculture. 'To our knowledge, there are no present Salmonella and Avian influenza cases that have spread to humans in South Africa.
