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Mail & Guardian
a day ago
- Business
- Mail & Guardian
Poultry sector recovering, prices not expected to increase
South Africa's poultry sector is recovering from a devastating outbreak of bird flu and has capacity to meet local consumer demand. (Madelene Cronje) South Africa's The department of agriculture rolled out mass inoculations earlier this month to protect the industry from highly pathogenic In 2023, millions of birds had to be culled, hampering production and driving up poultry and egg prices. The inoculation campaign kicked off with the vaccination of 200 000 broiler breeders at poultry producer Astral. The birds represent 5% of the company's total breeding stock, the department said. Industry experts have welcomed the inoculation drive. 'We had two cases of HPAI in the country, but both were contained and did not spread with minimum losses in terms of production,' said Izaak Breitenbach, the chief executive of the South African Poultry Association. 'We still have an additional one million birds per week slaughter capacity. We currently slaughter about 21.5 million birds per week.' That number reflects normal production levels, which may rise slightly toward December because sales typically increase in the second half of the year. Breitenbach said the industry also has the capacity to exceed this demand if needed 'The industry can cover an increase in demand of about 10% with local production in the short term and probably more in the long term.' Agriculture economists said the success rate for the inoculations will depend on how well future outbreaks are contained. (Graphic: John McCann/M&G) 'There are great expectations that South Africa's recent efforts to vaccinate poultry against avian flu will lessen the likelihood of another devastating outbreak similar to the one that occurred in 2023. Particularly in light of the seasonal influenza outbreak, which usually starts in April and peaks in September each year,' said Thabile Nkunjana, of the National Agricultural Marketing Council. 'However, the initial vaccination is reportedly for at least 200 000 broilers, which is extremely small compared to the size of the industry as a whole. As a result, there is still a chance of an outbreak related to South African poultry production, as well as a current risk of disruptions in the poultry supply, which frequently results in prices that have a negative impact on consumers The layer side of the poultry industry, which raises chickens specifically for egg production, is still producing at lower levels comparable to those before the 2023 outbreak, Nkunjana noted. 'If an outbreak were to occur, the industry would likely experience the same level of pressure as it did in 2023, and egg prices would probably rise once more,' he said. Experts warned that the cost of bird feed could hamper poultry production. Prices have increased on the back of climate conditions as well as international supply. 'Initially feed costs rose when world prices increased sharply in the aftermath of the pandemic and associated supply chain challenges, challenging weather in some key production regions and Russia's invasion of Ukraine,' said Tracy Davids, the executive director for commodity markets and foresight at the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy. 'When world prices came down, South African prices stayed higher due to the summer drought of 2024. So, feed costs have increased much more than meat prices over the past five years, making life difficult for all livestock producers, but particularly poultry that use feed very intensively. It's the biggest cost component in the sector.' With feed prices declining and the partial lifting of the ban on Brazilian chicken imports earlier this month, the prospects for the sector are looking positive, Davids added. The ban was implemented after Brazil also reported disease outbreaks, but was lifted to support South African consumers' food security, alleviate cost pressures, and help stabilise the supply chain, said Nkunjana.
Mail & Guardian
30-06-2025
- Health
- Mail & Guardian
SA poultry industry slams US bird flu import concessions as risk to food security
Decisions about the risk and spread of HPAI into South Africa must be taken by the South African authorities — not ceded to the United States, or any other exporting country.() South Africa's poultry producers have criticised a government decision over highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), which is rampant in the United States and Europe, that would harm the local industry. The department of agriculture's recent decision to temporarily allow the United States to impose and lift bans on its poultry exports to South Africa when there are bird flu outbreaks in that country would prove to be 'devastating' for local producers, South African Poultry Association chief executive Izaak Breitenbach said this week. 'The Americans obviously look after their own producers' interests so they will do the cut-offs to suit them. In other words, they will sail a lot closer to the wind, to the disease, and therefore risk us. We can't let America control themselves in terms of the importation and lifting and implementation of bans. That is a huge conflict of interest,' Breitenbach said. 'All poultry-producing states in the US have been affected, and 27 of those states are currently banned by the South African authorities from exporting poultry to this country. By granting the United States the right to determine its own disease status and export policies, the [department of agriculture] has created a serious conflict of interest. 'They can't control HPAI in their own country, yet they get given the responsibility to control it in South Africa. The risk is palpable: a country grappling with widespread outbreaks of bird flu can now prioritise its own interests and potentially expose South Africa to the very disease that cost this industry R9.5 billion and wiped out 30% of its long-living chicken flock in 2023.' Breitenbach said the decisions had previously been taken by the department of agriculture based on US notifications to the World Organisation of Animal Health. 'However, the department has now allowed the US to 'self-impose and self-lift' bird flu restrictions. This decision — quietly implemented three months ago with no consultation with the domestic industry — is an alarming abdication of its responsibility to defend South Africa's poultry sector,' he said. The poultry industry has asked the government to withdraw the 'disastrous decision' to grant the concession to the US authorities. 'I met with a representative of Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen this morning [Tuesday] and discussed the whole matter with her and expressed my concerns. She will take the matter up with the minister,' he said. Graphic by John McCann/MG Breitenbach said he had recently been made aware that the decision was made in March but it was unclear whether it had been the US or the Association of Meat Importers and Exports (AMIE) in South Africa who had requested the policy shift. AMIE chief executive Imameleng Mothebe declined to respond to detailed questions regarding the effect of the decision. 'At this stage, AMIE is awaiting further guidance from the department of agriculture and is not in a position to comment yet on the new arrangement with the US,' Mothebe said. 'Regarding Brazil, while the department has announced a partial reopening, the market remains closed in practice. We are still seeking clarity from the department and will be better placed to comment once we have an update.' Breitenbach said the decision was 'an unprecedented and reckless shift that compromises South Africa's disease-free status and threatens both food security and the future sustainability of the poultry sector'. The move sets a 'dangerous precedent' that other large-scale poultry exporters, such as the European Union and Brazil, could soon demand the same latitude, leaving the local poultry industry further exposed to devastating disease outbreaks. 'The overriding concern is clear: decisions about the risk and spread of HPAI into South Africa must be taken by the South African authorities — not ceded to the United States, or any other exporting country,' he said. 'We call on the [department of agriculture] to end this 'concession' and restore its role as a protector of the local industry, the workforce it supports and the nation's food security. The future of South Africa's poultry sector depends on it.' According to the South African Poultry Association, the local industry supports 58 000 direct jobs and a total of 110 000 when including indirect jobs. FairPlay Movement founder Francois Baird said it was a 'wrong decision, resulting from a flawed process, and it should be withdrawn immediately'. He said Mpho Maja, the director of animal health at the department of agriculture, had announced that a temporary concession had been granted to the US to 'self-impose and self-lift' bird flu restrictions on US states. 'The policy change was set out in a letter to chicken importers earlier this month. Chicken importers celebrated and called for the concession to be extended to other countries such as Brazil, whose chicken imports have been banned since May due to bird flu outbreaks,' he said. 'South African poultry producers are understandably concerned about potentially imported bird flu, as became clear in statements from the floor and personal comments at the annual AVI poultry conference in Johannesburg this month,' he said. He said the change was 'such an aberrant deviation from settled policy' that the department should have consulted widely, and considered all the risks inherent in a change 'before taking such a risky step'. 'We have yet to hear parliament on this issue. South Africa's policy is to treat each state in the US as a bird flu compartment, and bans are implemented on a state-by-state basis as bird flu outbreaks occur, he said. Baird warned that it had 'severe implications' for local poultry producers and consumers. 'The poultry industry sees the new system as a clear conflict of interest for the United States and, crucially, as a decision that risks importing infected chicken meat into South Africa,' he said. 'This decision has clearly not been thought through carefully. 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?' He said any spread of bird flu as a result of the new measure 'will create a health, supply and economic crisis for South Africa and may further encumber diplomatic relations with the US'. The department of agriculture had not responded to questions at the time of publication despite earlier saying it would comment. It is not clear at this stage for how long the temporary concession will be in force.
The Citizen
17-06-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Recipe of the day: Marinated chicken wings
Savour the delightful taste of our tangy marinated chicken wings – perfect for cooking in the oven or grilling over coals. These succulent wings are generously coated in a unique honey-Dijon marinade that balances sweetness with a zesty kick. The addition of our homemade BBQ sauce elevates each bite, creating a flavour explosion that will tantalise your taste buds. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or enjoying a cosy dinner at home, these grilled chicken wings are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Easy to prepare and packed with flavour, they make for a delicious and satisfying meal any day of the week. ALSO READ: Recipe of the day: Egg baked mushroom medley tray bake SERVES 10 – 12 24 chicken wings 150ml bottle of soy sauce 2 Tbsp brown sugar 1 tsp Dijon mustard 1/2 tsp garlic powder Cut the chicken wings in half. Marinate in the mixture for 30 minutes. Bake at 350°C for one hour, or until the marinade is thick. Turn once. You can also braai the chicken wings by wrapping them in foil and placing them over a fire. Cook until done. Tip: The chicken wings can be frozen in the marinade. Bake/braai after defrosting. –Supplied by the South African Poultry Association.
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
13-06-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Bird flu: worry not, it is safe to eat eggs and chicken
There is no bird flu in SA, but concerns over lack of imports may lead to shortages. The outbreak of salmonella and highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu in other parts of the world, has left South Africans wondering if the eggs and chicken available in stores are contaminated. This is after the egg producer, August Egg Company, in California, US, recalled about 1.7 million shell eggs due to the potential contamination with Salmonella enteritidis. The outbreak of salmonella in California comes weeks after the outbreak of bird flu in Brazil, which led to the department of agriculture banning all poultry imports from the country. ALSO READ: Will SA run out of beef and chicken? Animal disease hits SA's top producer — what it means for consumers Bacteria found in eggs The South African Poultry Association (Sapa) Egg Organisation has confirmed that there is no need for panic as it is safe to eat eggs and chicken. 'We confirm that there are no salmonella cases in South Africa that have caused people to be hospitalised,' said Sapa in a statement. According to Watt Poultry, the contaminated US eggs were distributed to stores in California, Washington, Nevada, Arizona, Wyoming, New Mexico, Nebraska, Indiana and Illinois. They were distributed between 3 February and 6 May 2025, with sell-by dates from 4 March to 19 June 2025. So far, the outbreak has infected 79 people, with 21 requiring hospitalisation. Safe to eat eggs Salmonella is when a person gets diarrhoea and stomach pains from salmonella bacteria. It is also called salmonellosis to distinguish it from other illnesses caused by different forms of salmonella bacteria, such as typhoid fever. Sapa said it is still safe to consume eggs, as any cases of salmonella in the country will be reported by the department of health, together with the department of agriculture. Is there bird flu in SA? Sapa added that, according to its knowledge, there are no reported cases of bird flu in South Africa and any case will be officially reported by the government. Therefore, it is still safe to eat chicken and other poultry products. Most of the chicken available in the country is imported from Brazil. However, following the bird flu outbreak there, a ban has been placed on imports. The ban left the poultry industry divided over whether local poultry producers can produce enough chicken or if the ban would lead to a chicken shortage. ALSO READ: Egg prices increasing globally due to US shortage — should SA take advantage and export? Should SA worry about a chicken shortage? Sapa is standing firmly, stating that there will not be any chicken shortage due to the Brazil ban, as local producers can make up for the gap created by the ban. One of Sapa's reasons is that chicken is not eaten as frequently in winter, as in summer. Therefore, the additional supply of chicken should be sufficient to prevent shortages or price increases. Izaak Breitenbach, CEO of Sapa's Broiler Organisation, said: 'We are currently producing about 21.5 million chickens a week and the industry has the capacity to increase this by about another million birds a week.' The other side The Association of Meat Importers and Exporters (AMIE) and Eskort are standing side by side, saying SA will feel the gap created by the ban. Imameleng Mothebe, CEO of AMIE, said local producers cannot and will not be able to meet the gap in the 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. '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. Higher prices Arnold Prinsloo, CEO of meat producer Eskort said they use MDM from Brazil to make polony, viennas, russians and braaiwors. The blanket ban on Brazil imports will bring production lines to a standstill before the end of June. '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 said. He 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.' 'We rely on Brazil for 92% of our needs, which is why this is such a serious challenge.' NOW READ: Here are the economic and social impacts of bird flu
