Latest news with #DipepenenengSerage
The Star
03-07-2025
- Health
- The Star
South Africa begins first-ever poultry vaccination to minimize bird flu outbreaks
JOHANNESBURG, July 3 (Xinhua) -- South Africa has commenced its first-ever poultry vaccination campaign, a move expected to play a key role in minimizing the risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks. Speaking to Xinhua on Thursday, Dipepeneneng Serage, deputy director-general of the Department of Agriculture, said the rollout had already begun at one farm and would be extended to others in the coming days. "We just approved one vaccination for the first time. We are still finalizing details for others. So, how it happens is firms apply, a prescription is issued, and only then vaccination starts and other farms will follow," explained Serage. He said the department was finalizing the details for a mass rollout, which would happen in "a week or so." The vaccination drive follows the Department of Agriculture's recent approval of a vaccination permit issued to Astral Foods Limited, South Africa's leading poultry producer. The permit allows the company to vaccinate poultry against the HPAI virus at one of its broiler breeder farms. According to the department, the vaccination at the farm is starting with 200,000 broiler breeders, representing five percent of the company's breeding stock. Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen on Tuesday welcomed the first-ever vaccination campaign, saying it would play a significant role in preventing the effects of bird flu on the poultry industry in the country. During one of the worst bird flu outbreaks in South Africa in 2023, millions of poultry birds were culled, resulting in a nationwide shortage of chickens and eggs in the country.
IOL News
15-06-2025
- Health
- IOL News
South Africa launches mass vaccination programme for poultry against avian influenza
The South African Poultry Association (SAPA) and agriculture associations have welcomed the department of Agriculture's decision to roll out the first ever mass vaccination of poultry in the country in order to protect the local flock from avian influenza. Image: File The South African Poultry Association (SAPA) and agriculture associations have welcomed the department of Agriculture's decision to roll out the first ever mass vaccination of poultry in the country in order to protect the local flock from avian influenza. SAPA also confirmed that despite concerns about a salmonella outbreak in the United States, eggs in South Africa remain safe to consume. Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen last week said that their vaccination team, comprised of poultry specialist vets from the University of Pretoria, along with the Agricultural Research Council, has received a list of farms to be vaccinated from the poultry industry and is prioritising high-risk areas and commercial flocks to contain the virus and prevent further culling. 'We have secured vaccine supply, ensured cold chain capacity, and are building in traceability and reporting mechanisms as part of a wider preparedness strategy.' In a statement, SAPA said that they were pleased that Deputy Director-General for Agricultural Production, Biosecurity, and Natural Resources Management, Dipepeneneng Serage, confirmed at the AVI Africa conference that the government will proceed with the vaccination strategy against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). Serage highlighted the department's commitment to ensuring that farming can continue safely and sustainably. 'My job is to bring science and legislation together and allow farmers to farm without risking anyone's health, while positioning South Africa as a net exporter of food.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ SAPA said that the government's HPAI vaccination strategy is a controlled, science-based approach that will focus on four key pillars: Controlled Use of Vaccines – Only vaccines registered in South Africa will be used. Sales and distribution will be strictly controlled, and farmers must register and comply with biosecurity and surveillance protocols. Biosecurity – Enhanced on-farm practices will remain critical to preventing disease spread. Traceability – All vaccinated flocks must be trackable to maintain export integrity and health transparency. Surveillance – Ongoing monitoring will ensure early detection and effective management of any outbreaks. Serage said that South Africa is ready to begin vaccinations immediately. 'Three H5 vaccines have been officially registered for use, with an H7 vaccine currently under development. One farm is already under evaluation for compliance and may be the first to begin vaccinations under the new framework. 'We have the data, we know which farms we're starting with — now we have to start.' SAPA said that this move represents a major step forward for biosecurity in South Africa's poultry industry and signals the government's determination to protect both public health and the country's agricultural economy. Francois Rossouw, the CEO of Southern African Agri Initiative (Saai), said that vaccination is a big deal for the poultry industry. 'It can really help cut down on outbreaks, which means less stress and losses for farmers. This is a great way to keep the virus in check, especially in areas where it's a big risk. It'll help protect both big farms and smaller ones.' Rossouw added that by reducing HPAI cases, we can keep production steady and make sure there's enough supply. 'That's key for food security and farmers' livelihoods. I know there are trade concerns with vaccination, but it's all about finding a balance. We need to keep our birds healthy while also chatting with our trade partners about it. It's crucial that vaccination comes with good monitoring and biosecurity measures. We want to make sure everything's managed well. This vaccination move should be part of a bigger strategy to handle avian flu. Ongoing research and teamwork with everyone involved will be super important.' In a separate statement, Dr. Abongile Balarane, CEO: South African Poultry Association (Egg Organisation), said that they take note of the circulating social media posts on Salmonella cases in California in the United States of America. 'We confirm that there are no current Salmonella cases in South Africa that have caused people to be hospitalised. We further confirm that there are currently no confirmed cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird flu) in poultry in South Africa. It is therefore safe to consume eggs and poultry meat.' Balarane added that any cases of Salmonella and Avian influenza in South Africa will be officially reported by the National Department of Health together with the National Department of Agriculture. 'To our knowledge, there are no present Salmonella and Avian influenza cases that have spread to humans in South Africa.
The Citizen
06-06-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
R72m foot-and-mouth vaccine delivery due mid-June
Karan Beef says vaccination efforts are contingent on 'availability from the state'. The outbreak 'is expected to cause major disruptions to the national beef supply chain'. Picture: iStock The Department of Agriculture expects a R72 million shipment of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccines to arrive in South Africa by the second week of June. Dipepeneneng Serage, Deputy Director-General: Agricultural Production, Biosecurity and Natural Resources Management, tells Moneyweb the vaccines are being imported from Botswana 'due to South Africa's limited domestic manufacturing capacity'. The department has estimated the vaccine requirements for FMD for the 2025/2026 financial year at R1.2 billion, with each dose expected to cost around R100, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen said in a statement earlier. But this amount may have to be increased, says Serage, after Karan Beef, one of South Africa's largest exporters, confirmed on Monday that a case of foot-and-mouth disease was detected at the Heidelberg facility on Friday 30 May. 'The R1.2 billion estimate was only for FMD protection zones in KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Mpumalanga and we did not anticipate a [recent] case in Gauteng and the outbreak at Karan Beef,' he adds. Karan Beef notes in a statement that approximately 120 000 cattle are housed at the affected facility. 'The company produces an estimated 100 million kilograms of beef annually from this site alone. Vaccination efforts are contingent on 'availability from the state'. 'Once initiated, a 14-day vaccination programme will commence, followed by a 14-day observation period.' ALSO READ: Foot-and-mouth disease outbreak rocks South Africa's cattle industry FMD in South Africa Serage says the department routinely vaccinates animals in areas in South Africa bordering known FMD zones, such as near the Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga as well as the Mfolozi Local Municipality and the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park, both in KZN. 'From time to time you see cases of FMD spilling over into areas outside the protection zones in areas where there haven't been vaccinations. If it's like that, it's manageable.' However, the situation has become more complex. 'In KZN, FMD has started flaring up in areas where we're not supposed to have it and we've been battling that since the beginning of this year,' Serage notes. Potential outbreaks in the Free State and Gauteng, which both border four other provinces, will be particularly problematic. The detection of FMD at Karan Beef follows an earlier incident in Gauteng on the East Rand on communal farmland. 'We're busy managing that. In a way it's easier when it's at a commercial feedlot like Karan because then you can place the entire feedlot under quarantine.' Serage says South Africa is in the process of ramping up its vaccine manufacturing capacity, but in the meantime the imported vaccines are suitable for South Africa, as the two countries are battling the same strain of FMD. 'So, their vaccine works for us.' ALSO READ: Industry warns of meat price spike and hunger as SA faces supply crisis Karan's next steps Investigations are still underway to determine the source of the outbreak, says Dr Dirk Verwoerd, senior feedlot veterinarian at Karan Beef. Currently, around 2% of the herd is infected, and no animals are being moved in or out of the Heidelberg feedlot during this period. Once vaccinations are complete, Karan plans to begin a controlled slaughter-out process under veterinary supervision. No mass culling is planned at this stage. The group notes that the outbreak has come at the height of weaning season and is expected to cause major disruptions to the national beef supply chain. With feedlot capacity now limited, farmers may be forced to hold on to calves for longer than usual. Karan Beef has also suspended all exports. ALSO READ: Ban on Brazil poultry imports adds to SA food insecurity Despite this setback, the company says its national network of facilities enables it to continue operations on a reduced scale. Unaffected sites will be used to support feeding capacity where possible. According to the statement, Karan Beef is 'working closely with veterinary authorities and following structured protocols to contain the outbreak with urgency and responsibility'. 'While the animals are not severely ill, the control measures are substantial and have a wide impact across the industry,' says Verwoerd. This article was republished from Moneyweb. Read the original here.
The Citizen
28-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Bird flu ban: Brazil suspension takes chicken and polony off South African tables — prices set to rise
Some meat producer in SA use mechanically deboned meat from Brazil to make polony, viennas, russians and braaiwors. Most South African households, particularly those with low incomes, rely heavily on chicken, as it is cheaper than other meat options like beef, lamb, and pork, making it one of the most accessible protein sources. Brazil plays a significant role in ensuring that South Africans have enough chicken, as the country accounts for more than 84% of South Africa's poultry imports. However, Brazil has recently experienced an outbreak of avian influenza, also known as the bird flu, which led to the South African government imposing a ban on imports from the country. Chicken shortage Department of Agriculture Deputy Director General of Agricultural Production, Biosecurity, and Natural Resources, Dipepeneneng Serage told The Citizen that the Department will monitor outbreak management and general disease management and control in Brazil, assessing reports from Brazil until the outbreak is closed before lifting the suspension. Imameleng Mothebe, CEO of the Association of Meat Importers and Exporters (AMIE), said local producers cannot, and will not be able to meet the gap in supply of poultry offal (feet, gizzards, and skins) and mechanically deboned meat (MDM), driving up prices and threatening the affordability and accessibility of basic protein for millions. 'Chicken offal and MDM are not luxuries. They are foundational to school feeding programmes and the production of processed meats, which are the most affordable proteins for low-income households. Ultimately, Brazilian MDM is the source of more than 400 million poultry-based meals per month for South Africa.' She added that, even though SA poultry producers have committed to increasing their production by four million birds per month, local producers alone cannot fill the gap created by the ban. And another challenge is that SA does not produce MDM at a commercial scale. ALSO READ: Here are the economic and social impacts of bird flu How much have chicken prices increased Mothebe added that if there is no regionalisation agreement put in place with Brazil, which will allow for the import of products from areas not affected by the outbreak, there will be many devastating impacts. The blanket ban on Brazilian imports can lead to price increases, food shortages, and job losses for local manufacturers of processed meats who employ more than 125 000 workers. 'With the current shortage of MDM, processed meat producers are facing cost surges as inventory levels are thinning, and shelf prices are starting to reflect this reality,' she said. MDM prices have increased from R13 to R31/kg, while offal, such as gizzards and skins, have seen double-digit increases. Higher costs She stresses that these price increases will be met by rising input costs, especially with the recently announced fuel levy hike in the national budget, which adds inflationary pressure across the value chain. 'We support government continuing engagements with Brazil towards regionalisation, a concept that demarcates affected areas whilst the rest of the country remains open. Regionalisation is widely accepted and supported by the World Organisation of Animal Health (WOAH), especially considering the ongoing global diseases phenomenon.' No polony for lunchboxes Arnold Prinsloo, CEO of meat producer Eskort said they use the MDM from Brazil to make polony, viennas, russians and braaiwors. The blanket ban on Brazil will put production lines to a standstill before the end of June. 'This will deprive South Africa's most vulnerable citizens of more than 400 million low-cost meals per month. 'Vulnerable families and thousands of school feeding schemes rely heavily on polony, and there is a real danger of widespread hunger and malnutrition if Eskort and its competitors cannot sustain supplies.' Prinsloo is calling on the Department of Agriculture to lift the blanket ban on Brazil and allow imports from parts of the country that have not experienced the outbreak. 'Brazil has indicated that it has submitted the necessary documentation and information to the department, but formal recognition and implementation remain outstanding,' he said. ALSO READ: Here's why chicken prices might increase soon Job losses looming Prinsloo added that the four- to six-week gap in supply due to the ban will also mean that many processors will face standing idle for more than 60 days, risking heavy job losses and instability in the lower LSM consumer segment. 'This is not only a supply chain crisis, but also a pending socio-economic and political disaster.' Can local poultry producers cover the gap? The South African Poultry Association (Sapa) seems to believe that local producers can make up for the gap created by the ban. 'We are currently producing about 21.5 million chickens per week, and the industry has the capacity to increase this by about another million birds per week. 'The impact of a ban on Brazilian chicken imports will not be felt immediately. Chicken imports from Brazil can take about six weeks to reach South Africa, and products dispatched before the ban is implemented will not be affected,' said Izaak Breitenbach, CEO of Sapa's Broiler Organisation. He added that winter months are a period of lower demand for chicken. Therefore, the additional supply of chicken should be sufficient to prevent shortages or price increases. However, Prinsloo disputed claims that local producers can make up for the chicken shortfall. 'It may be true when it comes to fresh or frozen chicken, but the local market doesn't produce mechanically deboned meat in any significant quantity,' he said. 'We rely on Brazil for 92% of our needs, which is why this is such a serious challenge.' NOW READ: Godongwana cuts zero-rated food basket in Budget 3.0
Eyewitness News
26-04-2025
- Climate
- Eyewitness News
G20: Agriculture Dept warns of impact of inadequate responses to climate change
JOHANNESBURG - The Department of Agriculture has warned of the impact of inadequate responses to climate change as South Africa hosts industry leaders at the G20. Delegates from all 20 of the bloc's member states met for a three-day meeting in Durban this week. ALSO READ: Climate change, conflict in Africa hamper efforts to eliminate malaria, says advocacy group The agricultural working group discussed policy priorities, including plans to strengthen trade and to address shortcomings in the agriculture industry. In parts of the country where disruptive weather has caused extensive damage and loss of life, some experts have blamed it. The deputy director general for Agri-Production and Biosecurity, Dipepeneneng Serage, said, 'All of a sudden, it's raining - it's been raining for a few weeks now. What about those who planted crops, knowing that they have to harvest in May? They may not be able to harvest. What is adaptation at that point?'
