Avian flu is attacking South Africa; series of epidemics triggers series of bans

Avian influenza could completely change the situation of poultry farmers in South Africa. The import of poultry from South Africa has been banned by Botswana, Namibia and Mozambique. Almost 300,000 birds were killed in the country and 250,000 animals were lost on one farm. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) recommends African countries to be highly vigilant in the face of the threat. In 2017, the disease threatened the food security of millions of people in Africa. Imports of poultry from South Africa have been banned by Botswana, Namibia and Mozambique after avian flu hit South Africa. Two outbreaks of the virus were reported last week and are believed to have a significant impact on the poultry industry. Almost 300,000 birds were killed in the country and 250,000 animals were lost on one farm. - commented Colin Steenhuizen, spokesman for the National Poultry Association. South Africa exported 10,608 tons of eggs and 12,835 tons of broilers to ...