South Africa’s poultry flocks, farmers, and consumers are taking a knock

The avian influenza outbreak in South Africa this year has led to the culling of millions of birds in the country, resulting in a 30% reduction in the production of hatching eggs. Poultry farmers, already battling with loadshedding and high costs, and local consumers are paying the price. According to the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Social Dignity Group’s October Household Affordability Index, the price of eggs increased by 19% between September and October 2023, and 36% between October 2022 and October 2023. Chicken feet and gizzards increased by 8% year-on-year and chicken livers by 14%. These are the products most consumed by the poor. The Association of Meat Importers and Exporters (AMIE) warned that there will be a hefty increase in poultry prices over the festive season and into 2024 as a result of the shortages caused by the bird flu outbreak and “the inability of the government to introduce a rebate on import tariffs timeously”, according to Paul Matthew, CEO of ...