While the South African government refuses to compensate chicken farmers for bird flu culls, and places obstacles in the way of a vaccination programme, the United States has pledged an additional $1 billion (R19 billion) to combat the virus there.
The US is in the midst of the worst bird flu outbreak in its history, and the rising price of eggs has become a political issue. South Africa on the other hand, is approaching the dangerous winter months and the poultry industry says the risk of another devastating outbreak is high.
The SA Poultry Association (SAPA) estimates that the 2023 outbreak, which resulted in the culling of millions of chickens, cost the industry at least R9.5 billion. There has been no compensation for those losses.
The US actions show what can be done by a government determined to support its poultry farmers.
WATTPoultry reports that the US government has announced a $1 billion five-pronged strategy to help both farmers and consumers.
These funds, it says, are in addition to assistance already being provided to farmers who have had to cull birds during bird flu outbreaks.
Citing an article in the Wall Street Journal, the report said the strategy was announced by US agriculture secretary Brooke Rollins.
The five-pronged strategy includes an additional $500 million for biosecurity measures, $400 million in financial relief for affected farmers, and $100 million for vaccine research, action to reduce regulatory burdens and exploring temporary import options.
“American farmers need relief, and American consumers need affordable food. To every family struggling to buy eggs: We hear you, we’re fighting for you, and help is on the way,” Rollins wrote.
The US Department of Agriculture will deploy 20 trained epidemiologists to increase biosecurity audits at poultry farms. The department will then share up to 75% of the costs to fix the highest biosecurity concerns identified, up to a total of $500 million.
It is exploring new ways to help farmers restock their flocks after bird flu culls, with $400 million available for the remainder of the US financial year.
The US government will also spend up to $100 million exploring ways to reduce bird flu culls, including through promoting vaccination.
“USDA will be hyper-focused on a targeted and thoughtful strategy for potential new generation vaccines, therapeutics, and other innovative solutions to minimize depopulation of egg laying chickens along with increased bio-surveillance and other innovative solutions targeted at egg laying chickens in and around outbreaks,” it said.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. Courtesy USDA
