SOUTH AFRICA – South Africa’s restriction on chicken imports aimed at curbing the spread of highly contagious avian flu are threatening local supply of the most affordable and highly sought-after meat protein, players in the industry have said.

To manage chicken and egg supplies, most countries abide by the trade regulations outlined by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), formerly known as the OIE

The rule recommends resuming trade in poultry products with countries three months after they have been declared free of bird flu.

Frederick Hume, Managing Director of Hume International, a major import-export company in South Africa is however saying that the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) contradicted the rule.

In an interview with local daily eNCA, Hume noted that the department refuses to reopen trade with international chicken suppliers unless an official has personally inspected and reapproved their facility.

Hume said some countries resumed trade in poultry products with countries, one month after they were declared free of bird flu.

“This rule has effectively permanently locked South Africa out of trade with major international chicken suppliers because the department has then informed importers that it does not have the funds needed to send inspectors overseas,” he said.

Hume added that in order to strengthen supply chains, the government urgently needs to consider public-private partnerships in order to fund and facilitate inspections or abide by international trade law norms.

“Private businesses and even various consulates would be more than willing to help fund these trade missions to overcome the challenge,” he said.

Chicken remains the country’s most affordable animal protein aside from milk and is an essential part of South African food baskets, especially for low and middle-income households.

Meanwhile, global shortages resulting from the epidemic have already impacted prices in South Africa where food prices have already risen 13.6% year-on-year on the back of soaring energy and animal feed costs.

Hume warned that the situation will only worsen if the government does not increase the pool of potential poultry suppliers – particularly if the bird flu outbreak reaches Brazil, which is the country’s biggest supplier.

“The local poultry industry simply does not produce enough chicken and eggs for household needs, and imports represent a vital complement to South African supply,” he said.

 “But, as demand outstrips supply, chicken prices could sail through the roof – particularly impacting vulnerable households who are dependent on chicken for protein.”

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