Denis Farrell / AP
The South Africa Poultry Association is calling for the mandatory implementation of avian flu vaccination to prevent the devastating impact on the local industry.
The Association made the call "in the wake of a year marred by significant losses, including the culling of 9.5 million birds."
General manager for the Association's broiler organisation, Izaak Breitenbach, said they were sounding the alarm to for immediate intervention to avert another catastrophic outbreak, calling for a proactive strategy.
"However, current regulations pose significant challenges, with stringent biosecurity standards and monitoring protocols hindering widespread vaccination efforts.
"Despite the industry's willingness to comply, no company has yet met the rigorous requirements for vaccination, underscoring the urgency for practical solutions," Breitenbach said.
He said traditionally they were reliant on "a stamping out policy", but said the industry acknowledges the inefficiency of this approach against the H7N6 strain.
Breitenbach said with no compensation mechanism in place for culled birds, producers shoulder the heavy burden of financial losses, including the costs associated with cleaning infected premises and restocking farms.
"The toll has been particularly harsh on smaller producers, with many forced out of business, and larger companies reporting record financial losses."
Breitenbach said that drawing on international examples, such as France's successful vaccination of 21 million ducks, the industry emphasises the tangible benefits of widespread vaccination in curbing HPAI outbreaks.
"Urgent action is needed to align vaccination requirements with practical implementation, ensuring that companies of all sizes can effectively protect their flocks and prevent future disasters.
"The South African poultry industry urges Minister Didiza to spearhead a process that addresses the critical issues hampering vaccination efforts.
"By establishing practical, science-based guidelines and resolving existing barriers, the government can safeguard food security, mitigate economic losses and protect against the environmental impact of mass bird culling," Breitenbach said.
He said the South African poultry industry is ready to collaborate with government stakeholders to implement effective vaccination strategies and prevent another devastating HPAI outbreak.
