South Africa is on the brink of an Avian Influenza (AI) disaster, and the government’s failure to act could cause suffering for thousands of birds. The NSPCA warns that without urgent intervention, another outbreak will tear through the poultry industry, leaving millions of birds in its wake and even threaten wild bird populations.
Should AI ravage through the poultry industry, the fastest and most effective way to stop the spread of the disease is culling infected birds – this prevents further suffering and stops the disease from spreading. However, vaccination could also play a crucial role in reducing outbreaks.
On 25 November 2024, the NSPCA urgently called on Agriculture Minister, John Steenhuisen, to drive vaccination and access thereto, with sufficient biosecurity measures. However, the poultry industry seems to be barred by impractical policies, such as the unrealistic biosecurity protocols, and the extensive cost of monitoring systems. To date, we have received no response. The NSPCA has directed another letter to Minister Steenhuisen, for which we await a reply.
“This is both an animal welfare emergency and a looming economic disaster, with potential losses reaching millions of rands,” warns Senior Inspector Nazareth Appalsamy, Manager of the NSPCA’s Farm Animal Protection Unit.
The NSPCA recently met with the South African Poultry Association (SAPA), which agrees that humane culling and preventative measures are essential. However, without immediate government intervention, another outbreak is inevitable.
The NSPCA demands immediate action from our government, including revision of vaccination red tape, to enable practical and accessible solutions, and to prevent the suffering of animals. As the department administering the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962, the Department of Agriculture should have animal welfare considerations at centre stage.
As migratory birds return to South Africa at different times depending on their species, the risk of a new outbreak continues to rise by the day. The NSPCA urges the government to take immediate action, because this disaster is on our doorstep – it’s only a matter of time before it’s too late.
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