Surveillance and Testing in the Western Cape for Avian Influenza Still on Track

The Directorate of Veterinary Services of the Department of Agriculture in the Western Cape is well on track with the survey to determine if there is any active infection of Avian Influenza on ostrich and poultry farms within the province.

Blood samples from 350 of the estimated 500 ostrich farms in the province have already been collected while almost all commercial poultry units and 50% other units with poultry have been sampled. A total of almost 4 000 of these samples have already been tested at the Regional Veterinary Laboratory at Stellenbosch. It is expected that the collection and testing of samples will be concluded by the end of October.

No signs of the disease have so far been found or notified on any ostrich or poultry farm within the province. On those farms where laboratory results indicate additional testing or sampling, movement restrictions are applied until the completion of additional tests to ensure that the correct groupings of animals are tested in accordance with the surveillance protocol of the national Department of Agriculture.

Fruitful discussions were held on Friday 17 September 2004 between officials of the Department of Agriculture in the Western Cape, the national Department of Agriculture, veterinary specialists and representatives of the South African Ostrich Business Chamber. During the meeting agreement was reached on uniform procedures for testing and interpretation of laboratory results and methods to control and prevent the spread of the disease.

I want to express appreciation for those countries within the SADC region who have agreed to accept the export of poultry products from poultry farms that have already tested negative and who can comply with the bio-security requirements of the importing countries.

Enquiries:

Alie van Jaarsveld
Tel: 021 483 4700
Cell: 084 604 6701

Dr Gideon Brückner
Tel: 021 808 5001
Cell: 083 641 5163