WESTERN CAPE NEWS - Avian flu has cost the Western Cape 63% of its egg-laying poultry and this may lead to shortages of eggs and poultry products, says Western Cape MEC for Economic Opportunities, Alan Winde.
"Some shortages of poultry products, including eggs, may be experienced in the province over the coming weeks as a result of the action taken to tackle the avian influenza.
"This was unavoidable given the extent of the outbreak. We are doing what we can to assist the industry to recover as quickly as possible."
Last week, George Herald reported that local poultry and egg producers have not been affected by avian flu and they are still managing to keep local shelves stocked.
A total of 144 ostrich farms are under quarantine, yet to date no ostriches have been culled as a result of avian influenza.
The MEC for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Anton Bredell, who is responsible for disaster management operations, said the province is monitoring the ongoing situation and is working to curb the impact and further spread of the disease in the province.
Winde said they have received reports that farms in Gauteng have started restocking, after their properties were shown to be 100% free of the virus.
"State vets in the Western Cape are also working with farmers to disinfect chicken houses. We can only start restocking at properties once there are no traces of the virus."
Poultry preferred meat in SA
Data from the SA Poultry Association (Sapa) shows that more poultry products are consumed every year than all the other animal protein sources combined.
Last year the South African poultry industry provided 63,1% of animal protein (excluding milk) consumed in the country.
According to figures from the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the per capita consumption of poultry meat and eggs in 2016 stood at 39,04kg and 7,89kg respectively, with a combined per capita consumption of 46,93kg.
Per capita consumption of beef, pork, and mutton and goat were 19,47kg, 4,69kg, and 3,40kg respectively.
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