Dec 10 2014 19:0
Johannesburg - Imports of
poultry products from countries infected with the avian influenza virus have
been banned, the SA Poultry Association says.
The director of the association's poultry disease management agency, Charlotte
Nkuna, said: "Importers, as well as the poultry industry, must immediately
stop importing live poultry, poultry meat and processed poultry products from
affected countries as well as those that transit through those areas to South
Africa."
She said the ban was imposed by the department of agriculture, forestry and
fisheries.
The department said it would respond to questions regarding the ban on
Thursday.
Would ban imports
Canada and several countries in Europe, including the United Kingdom, Germany
and the Netherlands had culled thousands of birds due to outbreaks of the
highly infectious virus, also known as bird flu.
"As the avian influenza virus survives for a long time in frozen material,
the flood of imported frozen poultry products potentially increases the risk to
the national flock," said Nkuna.
The association's senior executive Sol Motsepe said the department would ban
imports until affected countries were rid of the virus, which would only be the
case three months after the last positive case had been reported.
"Affected countries then re-submit re-certification applications for
exports to South Africa...a lengthy but critical process to ensure South
African poultry and our consumers are protected."
Tested their flocks
However, Motsepe said poultry from local suppliers was safe to eat and they
were able to meet the country's demands.
Nkuna said local poultry
suppliers tested their flocks twice a year for influenza strains.
"We nevertheless
remain vigilant with the highest levels of bio-security in place as successful
eradication depends on a country's ability to respond quickly with high levels
of human and financial resources to stop the spread of the infection."
http://www.fin24.com/Economy/SA-bans-poultry-imports-20141210-3
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