The South African government and the ostrich industry have sprung into action following last week’s outbreak of Avian flu which has since been identified as the H5N2 strain - described as highly pathogenic and dangerous in poultry but not in humans.

By yesterday over 2000 birds had died on two farms and the government today announced that a general culling of birds will take place in the region. (Provision has been made for compensation to the farmers whose stock will be culled).

Immediately following the statement, road blocks were put in place to prevent all movement of birds and to disinfect vehicles and people’s shoes.

The Western cape government has also taken steps to protect its industry ( the largest in the country at about 75%) by banning all movement of ostriches from the Eastern Cape.

The source of the virus is unknown and it is believed that it could have been carried by migrating birds which contaminated reservoirs. The virus could also be spread on clothes, vehicles, on the wind or even in the eyes of humans.

In terms of agricultural trade agreements with the EU, the virus is a notifiable disease but trade will only be suspended should the strain be considered to be dangerous. The EU buys 90% of the country's ostrich meat and about half of its ostrich leather production. The total ostrich industry earns about R1.2 billion ($197 million) per annum. in foreign earnings.

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