(UK)
8 February 2007
An outbreak of highly pathogenic notifiable avian influenza ('bird flu'),
caused by the H5N1 subtype of the virus has killed 1 500 turkeys on a farm in
Suffolk, United Kingdom. The British Government placed the farm and the
surrounding area under quarantine and has destroyed the turkeys to contain the
disease.
South Africa immediately placed an embargo on the importation of all live
poultry and poultry products from the UK 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 the UK 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. The poultry and ostrich
meat that is 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
Department of Agriculture
Tel: (012) 319 7317
Fax: (012) 319 7858
Cell: 083 452 5743
E-mail: CDCoC@nda.agric.za
Issued by: Department of Agriculture
8 February 2007
