European Union Lifts Ban on Importation of South African Ostrich Meat

The European Union informed South Africa that it accepts the country's status as free from Highly Pathogenic Notifiable Avian Influenza (HPNAI). The export of fresh ostrich meat can therefore resume as from 1 November 2006, according to the new ostrich protocol. This protocol allows for compartmentalization of the ostrich industry and involves testing within 28 days prior to slaughter, with negative results.

The decision by the EU is the result of the successful eradication of the active outbreak of H5N2 in ostriches near Albertinia in the southern part of the Western Cape in July 2006. No further isolations or identification of the highly pathogenic virus could be made.

Extensive surveillance is continuing throughout the country in all commercial ostriches, commercial and non-commercial chickens. Chickens have remained negative for the H5N2 virus, at all times.

This breakthrough in negotiations with the EU is a result of continuous and transparent communication between South African and EU officials.

The Department of Agriculture and the Directorate of Animal Health expressed their appreciation for the collaboration, assistance and effort of the Ostrich Business Chamber and Veterinary Services of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture in this matter.

For the ostrich industry in the Western Cape the lifting of the ban at the start of their peak period for export of ostrich meat, is a welcome relief as the EU constitutes 90% of the Western Cape's exports. The estimated loss to the industry was in the region of R100 million per month.

The Ostrich Business Chamber is of the opinion that a healthy demand for their products still exist in European countries, despite the four month interruption of exports. For an agricultural industry that has been hard hit by the cessation of exports and damages during flooding in recent months the lifting of the ban is of considerable importance.

Enquiries:
Alie van Jaarsveld
Spokesperson
Ministry of Agriculture: Western Cape
Tel: 021 483 4930
Fax: 021 483 3890
Email: avjaarsv@pgwc.gov.za