Avian influenza confirmed in Mpumalanga

The department has also established a 30km control zone in Mpumalanga and Free State.

Avian influenza H5N8 outbreak confirmed in SA

23 Jun 2017

"The two provinces are conducting surveillance in the 30km control zone for other potentially affected properties. All provinces have been notified and are on high alert," the department said.

The following control measures have been implemented to prevent the spread of the disease:

A complete standstill of movement of poultry and poultry products on the infected farm(s). Nothing is to enter or leave the farm.

Birds at the infected sites will be euthanized humanely.

State Vets are conducting inspections starting with all the farms within a 3km and a further 27km (30km) radius around the affected farm to gather information on the health status of the birds.

Poultry and poultry products may only move from these farms with a State Veterinary Permit.

"We have placed a general ban on the sale of live spent hens across the country until further notice.

zdenet via pixabay

Trading partners notified

"Our trading partners were formally notified of the outbreak in Mpumalanga. Trading partners require a declaration of country freedom of highly pathogenic avian influenza for trade in fresh poultry meat and unprocessed poultry products, which we are currently unable to provide due to the confirmation of HPAI on the Mpumalanga farm," the department said.

The department added that exports of processed poultry products, live chickens, and fresh products from registered poultry compartments will continue, depending on the requirements of the importing countries.

To date, no human cases of infection with avian influenza H5N8 have been reported, however, the department warned people handling wild birds, sick or dying poultry to wear protective clothing and wash their hands with disinfectants. "Meat from healthy poultry is safe for consumption as it is subjected to strict meat inspection processes at abattoirs. We urge people to avoid consumption of birds found dead, dying or sick. No effective treatment for the disease has been found.

"Infected animals must be humanely destroyed and disposed of properly to prevent the disease from spreading. If you suspect your flock has contracted the disease, quarantine the affected birds and area immediately. Notify your nearest State Veterinarian of any suspected cases," the department advised.

HPAI is a rapidly spreading viral disease that can infect many types of birds and is highly contagious. It exists naturally in many birds and can be transmitted by coming into contact with infected animals or through ingestion of infected food or water.