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The number of confirmed cases of avian influenza in the Western Cape has risen to 50.

Since the regional outbreak was first confirmed in the province in August, 2.5 million chickens and ducks have been culled.

This includes:

• 2.4million layer birds
• 73 000 breeder birds
• 32 600 ducks.   

The Western Cape Government and the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries are working at full pace to find solutions to the outbreak of avian influenza.

South Africa has been hard hit by this virus.

Alan Winde, MEC of Economic Opportunities, this week was briefed by the Director-General of DAFF and DAFF’s Head of Vet Services.

“I have been advised that DAFF is still considering the industry’s application for vaccination. They are also finalising discussions on possible financial support. Here in the Western Cape, our officials will also be briefing Cabinet next week on the impact of threats like drought and avian influenza on agriculture. These issues will be considered when drafting our budgets for the coming financial year.

“This is a difficult time for our poultry industry. Some farmers are faced with the possibility of having to close down their businesses. Workers are worried about their livelihoods, and being able to provide for their families. We know the impact on food security is also likely to be significant. This is why we are committed to working with DAFF and the industry to save our poultry industry.”

MEC Winde said the disease was spreading rapidly despite increased control measures, and that he had noted proactive steps by some farmers who had put additional special measures in place to curb the spread.

“Many farmers have been proactive with testing their flocks for early detection of AI and culling them quickly in response to positive tests. Some of the farmers have also bought and put down lime around their properties to try and prevent the virus from spreading.”

In response to this outbreak, which is the first of its kind in South Africa, the Western Cape Government has convened a Joint Operations Centre (JOC).

The JOC is being driven by the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, the Provincial Disaster Management Centre, the Department of Social Development and the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning.

The Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) is assisting the Department of Agriculture (DOA) with the coordination of steps to mitigate the effects of the avian influenza outbreak.

Anton Bredell, the MEC of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Western Cape, said the JOC ensures that information sharing and action steps happens accurately and quickly.

In addition the MEC has been alerted to false messages relating to avian influenza spreading on social media.

“Please take great care with messages that may be ill-informed and inaccurate and which may lead to unnecessary panic. When in doubt contact us for clarity.”

Issued by Western Cape Agriculture