Agriculture minister meets retailers over Avian Influenza impact

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Agriculture, land reform and rural development minister Thoko Didiza met with the retailers on Monday to discuss the impact of Avian Influenza in South Africa.

This meeting follows a meeting held with the South African Poultry Association last Friday.

According to the Reggie Ngcobo, the departmental spokesperson, these meetings follow engagements that have been taking place between government officials and industry.

“The 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 the 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, she is embarking on the efficiency improvement in issuing import permits for egg products to ensure sufficient supplies for consumers.

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Ngcobo stated that the minister is looking at the possibility of vaccination and currently reviewing applications by various suppliers.

He added, “On the broiler side, minister Didiza and trade and ministry’s minister Ebrahim Patel are assessing some trade instruments to ease the supply of chicken meat.