South Africa lifts ban on Brazilian poultry imports after bird flu contained
The Department of Agriculture confirmed that effective 4 July 2025, poultry trade with Brazil may resume after a bilateral meeting between veterinary authorities from both countries, where revised Veterinary Health Certificates (VHCs) were agreed upon.
"The positive outcome is a direct result of the dedicated efforts of our officials. With this resolution, imports can resume, which will significantly contribute to enhancing food security for all citizens," says Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen.
Brazil declared free of HPAI
The department said stamping-out measures were applied at the affected breeder premises in Montenegro, followed by a 28-day waiting period and disinfection, in line with World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) protocols. Brazil declared itself free of HPAI on 18 June 2025.
However, as a precautionary measure, poultry products packed between 1 May and 18 June 2025 will remain restricted from entry into South Africa.
The department said it remains vigilant and will continue monitoring the situation closely. Any new developments indicating a potential spread of the outbreak could lead to a review of the decision.
"This development underlines the department's commitment to science-based decision making and the importance of maintaining open, transparent and technically sound channels of communication between trading partners," Steenhuisen adds.
For updates and official notices, the public is encouraged to follow the department's verified platforms.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
19 hours ago
- Zawya
Jordan lifts poultry import ban on Brazil after avian flu threat contained
AMMAN — The Ministry of Agriculture had lifted previously imposed restrictions on poultry meat imports from Brazil following the containment of the avian influenza threat, Assistant Secretary-General for Livestock Affairs at the ministry Musbah Tarawneh said on Wednesday. Speaking to Al Mamlaka TV, Tarawneh said that Jordan had introduced restrictions on Brazilian chicken imports in June after a case of avian influenza was detected. He noted that Jordan annually imports an average of 8,000 to 10,000 tonnes of frozen chicken from Brazil, with most of these quantities going to the local restaurant sector. Tarawneh stressed that the ministry's technical teams are 'closely' monitoring the health situation in countries exporting animal products, reiterating that the ministry will not hesitate to take any necessary measures to protect public health and the agricultural sector. In mid-June, the Ministry of Agriculture announced a suspension of imports of live poultry and non-heat-treated poultry products from Brazil, following reports of multiple cases of avian influenza there. At the time, the ministry said that the suspension would remain in effect until the epidemiological situation in Brazil improved and reliable reports from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) confirmed that the outbreak was under control and that Brazilian veterinary authorities were complying with required preventive and monitoring procedures. Brazil exported $10 billion worth of chicken meat last year, accounting for some 35 per cent of the global trade in the sector. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
2 days ago
- Zawya
Unicef, World Bank join forces with South Africa for pandemic readiness
A mechanism set to support pandemic preparedness in low- and middle-income countries is set to be launched later this week. The Department of Health, in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), and the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef), will officially launch the Pandemic Fund. As the project lead for this initiative, the Department of Health aims to strengthen South Africa's capacity to prevent, prepare for, and respond to future pandemics. According to the joint statement, the launch, scheduled for Thursday in Pretoria, represents a significant milestone in global health security efforts. The Pandemic Fund, hosted by the World Bank, is a global financing mechanism that provides catalytic funding to support pandemic preparedness and response in low- and middle-income countries. 'South Africa's engagement through this project reinforces its leadership and commitment to advancing health system resilience,' the statement read. The launch will feature keynote remarks from national and international leaders, the unveiling of South Africa's Pandemic Fund implementation strategy, a panel discussion on pandemic preparedness, and opportunities for media engagement and networking with key stakeholders. The gathering will feature senior officials from various departments, including Health, Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development, as well as Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment. Representatives from the WHO, Unicef, FAO, the Pandemic Fund Secretariat, development partners, civil society organisations, and the media will also be present. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
3 days ago
- Zawya
Microplastics' escalating threat to South Africa's health, environment
The growing impact of microplastics in South Africa is having an escalating effect on the environment and public health. Recent studies reveal alarming statistics: over 80% of South African freshwater sources contain microplastic contamination, with concentrations reaching up to 10,000 particles per cubic meter in some urban rivers. Health risk Coastal surveys show microplastics in over 90% of sampled beach sediments, threatening marine ecosystems and entering the seafood chain. This problem is compounded by South Africa's high plastic consumption and limited recycling infrastructure, leading to widespread plastic pollution. As plastics degrade, they fragment into microplastics, which are virtually impossible to remove from the environment and can persist for decades. 'Everyday plastic waste, such as bags, bottles and packaging, often ends up in landfills, waterways and the environment, due to inadequate waste management. 'In addition, urban stormwater runoff carries tire dust, synthetic clothing fibres, and plastic litter into rivers and oceans,' notes Nicholas De Beer, director of Fortis X. 'Wastewater treatment plants, many of which are outdated or under-resourced, struggle to filter out microplastics from domestic and industrial sources. 'Additionally, lost or discarded fishing gear along South Africa's coastline contributes significantly to marine microplastic pollution, ultimately seeping into the food chain,' adds De Beer. Microplastics are not just an environmental nuisance; they pose real risks to human health. Toxic environment Globally, individuals are estimated to consume between 11,845 and 193,200 microplastic particles per year, with drinking water identified as the primary source. The toxicity of microplastics stems from both their inherent properties and their to interact with other pollutants, such as heavy metals. Scientific research increasingly links microplastic ingestion and inhalation to a range of health issues: - Chemical exposure: Microplastics often carry toxic additives like phthalates, BPA, and heavy metals, which can leach into food and beverages, disrupting endocrine functions and increasing cancer risks. - Immune system impact: Studies show microplastics can cause inflammation and oxidative stress, potentially impairing immune responses. - Bioaccumulation: Microplastics accumulate in the human body over time, with recent findings detecting microplastics in blood, lungs, and even placentas, raising concerns about long-term effects on development and reproduction. - Food safety: In South Africa, where bottled water and packaged beverages are widely consumed, microplastic contamination directly threatens consumer health. 'These tiny particles are increasingly being found in drinking water, food, and even the air, raising serious questions about long-term health impacts. 'Studies suggest that microplastics can carry toxic chemicals, including endocrine disruptors and heavy metals, which may leach into the body once ingested or inhaled. 'Once inside, microplastics have been shown to trigger inflammation, disrupt cellular processes, and potentially accumulate in organs, though the full extent of harm is still under investigation,' De Beer explains, adding 'given these risks, reducing exposure to microplastics is a critical public health priority.' While conventional plastics are designed to be durable, they degrade into tiny fragments over time rather than fully breaking down. These microplastics persist in the environment, absorbing toxins and entering food chains through marine and freshwater organisms. Says De Beer: 'The cumulative effect of these sources is a growing environmental and health concern, especially as plastic use continues to outpace the development of sustainable waste solutions.' Microplastics represent a hidden but escalating threat to South African health and the environment.
