The Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Ms Thoko Didiza, MP today met with the retailers to discuss the impact of avian influenza in South Africa.
This meeting follows a meeting held with the South African Poultry Association last Friday. These meetings follow engagements that have been taking place between government officials and industry.
In today's meeting, minister briefed the retailers on the containment measures that have been taken to limit the spread of the disease as well as possible solutions to manage such outbreaks in the short and the medium-term including vaccination.
It was evident from today’s engagement that the main challenge is primarily on the egg production side, where there are supply constraints in some regions of the country. In response to this challenge, the Minister is focusing on measures to improve the availability of egg supply to consumers and simultaneously putting measures to contain the spread of the disease.
Moreover, the minister is embarking on the efficiency improvement in issuing import permits for egg products to ensure sufficient supplies for consumers. In addition, the minister is looking at the possibility of vaccination and currently reviewing applications by various suppliers.
On the broiler side, Ministers Didiza and Patel are assessing some trade instruments to ease the supply of chicken meat.
Enquiries:
Mr Reggie Ngcobo
Media Liaison Officer and Spokesperson:
Cell: 066 298 0980
E-mail: MLO.Minister@dalrrd.gov.za
Eviction Toll-free Number: 0800 007 095
