South Africa’s egg production rebounds as industry recovers from Bird Flu

SOUTH AFRICA – South Africa’s poultry sector is experiencing a steady recovery in egg production after disruptions caused by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreaks in 2023 and 2024. 

With the national layer flock rebuilding, projections suggest that egg production will return to pre-outbreak levels by mid-2025, potentially leading to lower egg prices for consumers.

Quantum Foods Holdings, one of the key players in the poultry market, has reported a significant rise in egg production. 

According to the company’s operational update covering the four months leading up to January 31, 2025, this growth is driven by the restocking of their layer flock, stable power supply, higher egg prices, and the absence of new HPAI cases.

The company previously faced major financial losses due to HPAI, with outbreaks in the prior four-month period affecting birds worth approximately US$1.96 million. 

The economic toll of such outbreaks remains a concern, as the virus continues to spread in regions like the United States, Europe, and North Africa.

To manage risks, Quantum Foods has maintained biosecurity measures introduced in 2024. 

These include reducing flock sizes in high-risk locations and expanding the sourcing of layer hatching eggs from breeder farms in different geographical areas.

While vaccination efforts are part of the long-term strategy, the company has struggled with implementing government-approved protocols due to strict and costly requirements. 

This has made it difficult to fully integrate vaccination into its disease prevention plans.

Feed costs have remained stable, creating a more predictable environment for production. 

With the layer flock now at healthier levels, farm efficiency has improved, and production costs have become more manageable.

Over the past four months, Quantum Foods has increased its egg supply by 70% compared to the previous period. 

This surge in production has helped the company absorb the impact of a 13% drop in egg prices, as efficient operations at egg packing stations have kept costs under control.

The broiler segment has also shown growth, with day-old chick production increasing by 6%. 

This improvement is linked to the full reopening of the Hartbeespoort breeder farm, which had been affected by a previous HPAI outbreak.

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