5 July 2006
The Directorate of Veterinary Services of the Department of Agriculture in
the Western Cape is well on track with the survey to determine if, apart from
the one incident on the ostrich farm near Mossel Bay, there is any indication
of active infection of Avian Influenza on ostrich and poultry farms in the
surrounding areas. This is done in co-operation with the national Department of
Agriculture and the Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute with full co-operation
of the ostrich industry.
Ostriches and poultry in the province are tested for Avian Influenza on a
six-monthly basis since 2004. During the last round of testing in the province
completed at the end of May 2006 tests for the disease yielded negative
results. The Western Cape received praise for the manner in which we dealt with
the potential problem in 2004.
I want to echo the statement of the national Department of Agriculture in
stating categorically that South African ostrich and poultry meat remains safe
for human consumption.
We trust that the excellent working relationship between the ostrich
industry in the province and the different departments of agriculture will all
contribute in containing the outbreak of Avian Influenza.
Hopefully this has been an isolated incident and I want to urge all role
players to do our utmost to uphold and protect our export status.
Enquiries:
Jan Bosman
Tel: (021) 483 4700
Cell: 083 630 6187
E-mail: jbosman@pgwc.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Agriculture, Western Cape Provincial
Government
5 July 2006
