WESTERN CAPE NEWS - The rate of avian influenza (AI) in the Western Cape is slowing down considerably, according to Alan Winde, minister of Economic Opportunities.
He provided an update on AI during a sitting of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament last week.
He said that there are currently 68 confirmed cases of avian influenza in the province, with no new infections reported at commercial poultry farms since 18 October.
To date, 2,8- million chickens and ducks have died or have been culled.
In the ostrich industry, no birds have been culled, but the farms have been placed under quarantine as infected ostriches do not become sick or die.
"Of immediate concern is the shortage of eggs in South Africa, causing further food inflation.
"The Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP) is completing a study that will give more insights on the economic impact of AI. This study is set to be released next month," said Winde.
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