Avian flu: SA needs a form of risk insurance to assist poultry sector in event of outbreaks Millions of birds have been culled in South Africa due to avian flu outbreaks. Picture Henk Kruger/Independent Newspapers Millions of birds have been culled in South Africa due to avian flu outbreaks. Picture Henk Kruger/Independent Newspapers South Africa needs to look at a form of risk insurance that can be put in place that could turn and assist the country and poultry sector during outbreaks of avian influenza (bird flu).
This was according to Dr Ziyanda Majokweni-Qwalela, the deputy director for Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Laboratory Services in Gauteng, speaking at the round-table organised by FairPlay Movement about the lessons learned from the deadliest bird flu outbreak in South Africa’s history last year. The South African poultry sector is still recovering in the wake of avian flue# outbreaks, which saw millions of poultry birds culled to contain the disease that was financially devastating. Majokweni-Qwalela said that there was an opportunity to help the poultry industry in evolving a comprehensive playbook for bird flu management by learning from experience. On the management of the risk for diseases, Majokweni-Qwalela said she felt there was a shared responsibility.
Farmers in 2023 faced severe headwinds: power crisis, diseases, ports – Agbiz Challenges in agriculture sector weigh on GDP such as diseases, floods, among others “It is one of the areas I need to see with our recommendations that the State together with industry across all different types of poultry farmers having an open discussion that looks at the reality of South Africa as a country and looks at the options that may be available to us.” “That would end the endless debate of am I going to get compensated? We just all take the responsibility with whichever model we use to compensate farmers that have experienced or been affected by the disease. We can then compensate from that particular fund,” Majokweni-Qwalela said. SOURCE: Avian flu: SA needs a form of risk insurance to assist poultry sector in event of outbreaks (iol.co.za)