12 July 2007
An outbreak of highly pathogenic notifiable avian influenza ('bird flu'),
caused by the H5N1 subtype of the virus was reported in Thuringen, Germany. The
German Government placed the farm and the surrounding area under quarantine and
destroyed 1 000 domestic birds within a 3 kilometre radius of the outbreak to
contain the disease.
South Africa immediately placed an embargo on the importation of all live
poultry, birds, meat and other products derived from poultry and birds, from
Germany until further notice. Poultry products subjected to a process complying
with international requirements to ensure the satisfactory inactivation of the
avian influenza virus are excluded from the suspension. En route consignments
from Germany will be detained at the ports of entry and veterinary import
permits have been cancelled.
South Africa has had an extensive surveillance programme in place since 2005
and all commercial and non-commercial chickens and commercial ostriches are
regularly tested.
South Africa remains free from H5N1 avian influenza. Poultry and ostrich
meat available on supermarket shelves in the country is safe to eat. All
poultry meat should always be cooked until the pink colour has disappeared.
For further information contact:
Priscilla Tsotso Sehoole
Chief of Communications
Tel: 012 319 7317
Fax: 012 319 7858
Cell: 083 452 5743
E-mail: dais@nda.agric.za
Issued by: Department of Agriculture
12 July 2007
