WESTERN CAPE NEWS - There are 26 confirmed cases of avian influenza in the province.

Alan Winde, Minister of Economic Opportunities, released the latest on the status of the disease in the province on Thursday 21 September. 

"We are continuing to work with the private sector to mitigate the impact of the disease. By the end of this week, we estimate that around two million chickens and ducks would have been culled," he said.

The Western Cape Department of Agriculture has also partnered with the Provincial Disaster Management Centre to establish a Joint Operations Centre (JOC). 

"The JOC is implementing our risk mitigation and support strategy. Part of their focus is assistance to employees at affected farms, as well an investigation into the economic implications of the outbreak." 

This statement is the first of regular updates from the JOC.

Anton Bredell, Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning oversees the provincial disaster management centre. 

He has noted the input from experts handling the crisis who are stating that poultry products on the market are considered to be safe for consumption.

"We remain concerned about the impact on job security and food security has given the sheer scale and speed this crisis is moving at." 

He said this is the first time that there has been an outbreak of avian influenza in South African poultry. "Previous outbreaks mainly affected ostriches."

Winde said he continues to engage with the poultry industry on a range of matters, including vaccination. 

"The decision to vaccinate can only be made by the National Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. A proposal for vaccination suggests the designation of vaccination zones or compartments in areas with a high density of poultry farms. 

"Further insights into any possible trade implications would have to be investigated first by national."

Bredell has called on the public to report any dead birds to their local authorities, who will contact the provincial authorities specializing in the disease. 

"This disease seems to be targeting all birds - poultry, wild birds and birds kept as pets. The public can also contact their closest State Veterinarian Office for further advice."

Winde and Bredell will be reporting on the progress of the JOC at a press conference early next month.

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