The decision by the Department of Agriculture to cede bird flu decisions to the United States did not accord with the department’s commitment to protect South Africa from the virus, FairPlay commented.
FairPlay founder Francois Baird noted that, in previous announcements, the department had laid heavy emphasis on its obligation to prevent the spread of bird flu in order to protect local poultry producers and consumers.
“It is now handing that responsibility over to the US authorities, whose obligation is to look after American poultry producers. That is an obvious conflict of interest,” Baird said.
“Will the department hand that responsibility over to other governments, such as Brazil which is now compartmentalised for bird flu? Or is this part of the trade deal being negotiated between South Africa and the US?
“Even if the latter, any spread of bird flu in South Africa because of imported American chicken will create a health, supply and economic crisis for South Africa and may further encumber diplomatic relations with the US.
“This decision has clearly not been thought through carefully. It’s the wrong decision, resulting from a flawed process, and it should be withdrawn immediately,” Baird concluded.
