WESTERN CAPE NEWS - There are 63 confirmed cases of avian influenza in the province. 

No new infections at commercial farms are reported since 18 October.

Alan Winde, Minister of Economic Opportunities, said the confirmed cases included 12 layer farms. 

To date, 2,8 million commercial poultry birds have died or been culled. More than 60% of layer hens were lost.

“Animal Health technicians are assisting farmers to make sure that poultry houses are properly cleaned to minimise risk of re-infection when re-stocking takes place. 

"This is the first time this strain of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza has presented in South Africa. 

"In other countries, the number of cases seems to decrease in summer, due to the heat.”

Anton Bredell, Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning responsible for disaster management operations said: “The Joint Operations Centre remains in place and is continuously monitoring the situation across the province. 

"The use of the JOC has helped speed up vital processes and improve communications between stakeholders, ensuring that the outbreak can be tackled in a more efficient manner.

"Both matters are of critical importance when dealing with any disaster.”

Read more in next weeks South Cape Forum, as well as online.

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