South Africa - Job fears rise as bird flu hits ostrich farms
Published:August 10, 2004
Source :IOL
The department of agriculture has placed an indefinite ban on all ostrich and poultry exports after the outbreak of avian influenza virus, or bird flu, in the Eastern Cape.
The two Eastern Cape farms where the virus was diagnosed are under a 60-day quarantine and those within a 10km radius are under a 30-day quarantine.
The ostrich industry, which exported R1,2-billion in products a year, could face losses of up to R100-million if the ban remained in place for more than a month, said Anton Kruger, manager of the South African Ostrich Business Chamber (SAOBC).
Some of the 20 000 people employed in the industry could lose their jobs if the ban continued indefinitely, he said.
Most of the chicken consumed in the country is imported, so the ban primarily affects ostrich farmers.
South Africa supplies about 70 percent of the world's ostrich meat, producing about 950 000 tons a year. But the industry's main source of revenue is ostrich skin.
The business chamber and the department of agriculture are to meet today to discuss when the ban is to be lifted.
"We want to put out to consumers that there is nothing wrong with the meat. It is a voluntary ban by the department to give the message that everything is under control," Kruger said.
He said the export ban would not seriously affect sales figures, but the local market would be flooded with ostrich products, especially meat, in the next few months.
The department is to cull 30 000 ostriches in the Eastern Cape on Tuesday to contain the virus.
Meanwhile, Nick Badminton, managing director of Pick 'n Pay, assured consumers that ostrich meat sold by the supermarket chain was safe.
"All ostrich meat sourced for the company comes from abattoirs strictly monitored by state-appointed veterinarians. The main abattoir from which Pick 'n Pay sources ostrich meat is over 500km from where the outbreak has occurred."
Restaurateurs have reported no negative reaction from patrons after the outbreak.
Tim Wagner, manager of the Marimba Restaurant at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, said he found no reason to remove ostrich meat from the menu, although he knew "it will be in short supply and prices will rocket".
Chris Lloyd, manager of the Five Flies Restaurant, said he had "no problem" in finding or serving ostrich meat.
A decision has been reached on the method to be used in culling the ostriches. In a compromise agreement with the National Council of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the department has ruled out slitting the birds' throats. Bolt pistols are to be used instead.
