There’s been another outbreak of avian influenza in Gauteng, bringing to three the number of farms so far affected – a commercial layer farm and a broiler breeder farm east of Johannesburg, and a broiler breeder farm in the North West province.
The outbreaks are distressing, as thousands of birds are culled, jobs are lost, livelihoods are endangered and trade is affected. So far there has been no impact on the national supply of eggs and chicken.
We continue to wish the poultry industry and the department of agriculture well in their efforts to contain the disease and prevent it spreading.
Image credit: Colourised transmission electron micrograph of avian influenza A H5N1. Photo Credit: Cynthia Goldsmith / CDC.
