Rainbow has urged the South African government to reconsider the onerous requirements which are preventing the start of a bird flu vaccination programme.
In its latest results statement, the company said avian influenza (AI or bird flu) was a risk to its poultry business, but the current vaccination requirements were “prohibitive”. It also referred to the government’s refusal to pay compensation for chickens culled during bird flu outbreaks.
“Rainbow remains concerned about potential service delivery interruptions with particular reference to water, water quality and electricity.
“The threat of AI during the winter months is real and Rainbow will continue to manage an extremely focused biosecurity regime. As a country, South Africa is yet to find an optimal response to this threat, with specific reference to compensation and vaccination strategy.
“While the Government has provided a protocol for AI vaccination, the cost and conditions are prohibitive for both the table egg and chicken industries and requires urgent reconsideration by the State,” Rainbow said.
