November 4, 2005

South African farmers step up measures against bird flu

South African farmers have stepped up measures against bird flu, in a bid to prevent future outbreaks in the country. Thousands of ostriches were culled in the Eastern Cape province last year following reports of bird flu.

South Africa was declared free of bird flu in September this year.

As migratory birds from Europe and Asia headed for warmer Africa during the winter season, the farmers at Oudtshoorn town, Little Karoo region, have taken extensive measures to prevent new outbreaks.

South Africa's agriculture ministry said that while no water birds migrated from the northern hemisphere to South Africa, certain shore birds visited its coastal areas during summer.

The ministry added that besides strict import requirements for live birds and poultry products, farmers were also given strict guidelines such as keeping domestic birds including ducks, geese, chickens or turkeys separate from ostriches.

Meanwhile, one ostrich farmer said farmers have registered and tagged their birds as part of a plan to ensure all the animals were vaccinated. He added that people entering or leaving farms were also closely monitored.