AGRICULTURAL NEWS - The avian influenza virus has been detected on four poultry farms in the Western Cape. They are situated near Worcester, Malmesbury and Hopefield.
"Two farms have been confirmed to have H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), though laboratory confirmation is still pending for the other two farms. The relationship to the viruses present in the north of the country is unconfirmed," said Western Cape Agricultural Minister Dr Ivan Meyer in a statement today (Wednesday 19 May).
The total number of birds that have been culled or have died from HPAI totals approximately 134 000.
Meyer said Western Cape Veterinary Services is in the process of investigating other suspected cases.
The Western Cape Department of Agriculture urges the public to be vigilant and report unusual mortalities in any birds to their local state veterinarian.
Contact details are available here.
Meyer said poultry meat and eggs are safe to eat.
Be careful
Strains of the avian influenza virus recently identified in South Africa carry a low risk for human infection. However, humans can transmit the virus from sick birds to other birds on their clothes and hands.
People are therefore advised to handle all dead birds with gloves and wash their hands afterwards.
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