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SA free of bird flu
10/11/2005 08:18 - (SA)
Johannesburg - Migrant bird droppings collected at the Durban harbour last month tested negative for avian flu, the Witness website reported on Thursday.
"So far about 4 300 samples have been collected, including 67 from migratory birds captured in Durban harbour. All the samples examined have been negative," said provincial agricultural ministerial spokesperson Vusi Zuma.
He said the department would continue its surveillance, focusing on indigenous and commercial poultry and in some cases migratory birds.
Since the outbreak of notifiable avian influenza (NAI) in ostriches in 2004, South African agricultural authorities have culled over 26 000 ostriches and conducted surveys countrywide.
A further survey carried out a few months ago shows the country was free of avian flu.
Both the International Animal Health Organisation and the European Union accepted South Africa's declaration of freedom from the disease in September.
Zuma said the government imposed strict import requirements to ensure the virus does not spread to South Africa.
Furthermore, strict rules are in place at all places where viruses could spread.
"Strict biosecurity measures are in place on all chicken farms. Meat inspection at abattoirs ensures that only healthy chickens are slaughtered for human consumption," he said.
"There is thus no need for any concern about the safety of chicken on South African supermarket shelves. South Africa is internationally recognised as free from NAI and has measures in place to maintain that freedom."
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