South Africa’s poultry industry faces growing threat of avian flu
Poultry farmers remain on high alert as fears of another outbreak intensify. Additionally, the government and industry stakeholders are working to prevent a repeat of 2023’s devastating losses.
SOUTH AFRICA – South Africa’s poultry sector is bracing for another potential avian flu outbreak, with experts warning that the country remains at risk despite no active cases being reported.
In 2023, the virus led to the culling of nearly nine million hens, severely affecting egg and poultry production.
The industry struggled with financial setbacks and operational disruptions, and while production levels are recovering, the threat of another outbreak remains high.
Dr. Abongile Balarane, Chief Executive and General Manager of the South African Poultry Association’s Egg Organisation, has raised concerns about the global rise in bird flu cases.
He stated that although South Africa is currently free from the virus, its spread in other regions increases the likelihood of it returning.
Avian influenza is a highly contagious viral disease that affects birds and can sometimes infect mammals, including humans.
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has warned that the virus’s spread over the past four years has disrupted food supply chains and pushed up poultry prices globally.
According to the FAO, the loss of millions of birds worldwide is worsening food security issues, while the virus’s ability to infect mammals raises concerns about mutations that could impact human health.
The organization has called for stricter biosecurity measures, improved surveillance, and faster response strategies to contain outbreaks.
During the 2023 crisis, South Africa experienced a severe chicken and egg shortage, forcing the country to increase poultry imports to meet demand.
In response, the Ministry of Agriculture has urged farmers to enforce stricter biosecurity practices to limit the risk of wild birds transmitting the virus to commercial flocks.
Animal welfare organizations have also voiced concerns over the poultry industry’s vulnerability.
The National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) has warned that without immediate action, another outbreak could devastate the sector.
Nazareth Appalsamy, Senior Inspector and head of the NSPCA’s Farm Animal Protection Unit, criticized what he described as a slow response from the government.
He argued that humane culling and preventive measures, including vaccination, are essential for managing future outbreaks.
He further stated that the NSPCA had called for better vaccine access and stronger biosecurity rules in November 2024 but had yet to receive a formal response from the Ministry of Agriculture.
A government report released in January 2025 detailed the 2023 outbreak, which saw 29 confirmed cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), mainly in the Western Cape, with additional cases in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
While authorities eventually contained the outbreaks, the losses disrupted the industry, highlighting the need for better preparedness.
Appalsamy stressed that existing biosecurity protocols are not practical for many farmers and that monitoring systems are costly, making it difficult for smaller operations to comply.
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