Pixabay
Farms in the Western Cape where bird flu was confirmed, have been placed under quarantine.
The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development said in an update on Wednesday that no live animals or eggs are allowed to be removed from those farms.
“The Department would like to reassure consumers that commercial poultry meat and eggs are safe to eat,” said Department spokesperson, Reggie Ngcobo.
However, he said care should be taken when preparing food to avoid other food-borne pathogens.
“Birds infected with HPAI get sick fairly quickly and die,” he said.
Ngcobo said generally the first sign of sick animals, including birds, is a drop in production, meaning that sick birds will produce very few (if any) eggs.
“This, together with the added mitigation of placing farms under quarantine, means no eggs from infected properties will make their way to shelves,” he said.
“We strongly encourage all poultry farmers including those with birds kept as a hobby or for zoo purposes to adhere to strict biosecurity measures to prevent the introduction of HPAI”
We also urge farmers and individuals to report any suspected outbreak must be to the responsible private or state veterinarian.
This week the SA Poultry Association said there were no reported cases of the spread of the virus from the egg layer birds to humans.
"We, therefore, advise the consumers that it is safe to consume eggs and poultry. Care should, however, be taken to handle eggs and meat hygienically and prevent cross-contamination, and ensure thorough cooking," said SAPA General Manager, Dr Abongile Balarane.
