Mozambique authorizes importation of poultry from Brazil, Turkey amid Avian Flu epidemic in South Africa
MOZAMBIQUE – The Poultry industry in Mozambique is facing a challenging situation due to the avian flu epidemic in neighbouring South Africa, its main poultry product supplier in southern Africa.
In response to the avian flu outbreak, the Mozambican government has taken several measures to ensure a sufficient supply of poultry products in the local market.
According to Américo Conceição, the national director of livestock development at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mozambique will import 4,000 tonnes of chickens from Brazil and Turkey by the end of November.
This decision aimed to address the shortage of poultry products in the country, brought on by the avian flu outbreak the culling of over 45,000 chickens and the destruction of nearly 12,000 eggs to contain the spread of the virus.
Local poultry producers in Mozambique have also been granted permission to import hatching eggs from Brazil and Turkey to support local breeding efforts and the production process.
In addition, the Mozambican authorities have imposed a ban on the importation of poultry and poultry products from South Africa which is currently grappling with its largest avian flu outbreak in history, which has resulted in the culling of more than 7 million chickens.
South Africa is Mozambique’s primary supplier of live poultry and chicken meat. In 2022, Mozambique imported approximately 14,000 tonnes of chicken meat from South Africa.
The ban on South African imports has led to a shortage of poultry products in Mozambique, causing prices to rise in local markets.
With the recent authorization, importers will be able to purchase approximately 4,000 tons of chicken from these countries, with deliveries expected in about a month securing enough supply of poultry products.
Meanwhile, the avian flu situation has prompted Mozambique to take proactive measures to address the immediate shortage of poultry products and eggs.
Additionally, the National Livestock Development Directorate has recommended that poultry producers introduce birds into their aviaries only after a thorough inspection or a two-week quarantine period to prevent bird flu infections.
Mozambique’s response to the avian flu crisis reflects the importance of ensuring a stable supply of essential food products, especially during challenging times in the poultry industry.
