Ramaphosa must intervene over delays to roll out vaccines for avian influenza

Dear Editor

The DA will write to President Cyril Ramaphosa asking for his direct intervention on the continued failure by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) to roll out vaccines for the avian flue that is ravaging our chicken industry.

While the DA acknowledges the concerns by DALRRD about potential asymptomatic spread of the virus through vaccinated birds , it is our considered view that they can be effectively addressed through a balanced approach that utilizes responsible vaccination alongside appropriate biosecurity measures and targeted surveillance. The existing “cull-and-kill” approach has demonstrably failed to contain the outbreak, resulting in devastating economic losses and animal welfare concerns.

With 7.5-million chickens having been culled since April 2023, the DALRRD is yet to give the go ahead for vaccination against avian influenza, even as the industry has applied for permission for the use of the vaccines. Industry stakeholders are in desperate need for vaccines to prevent new infections and culling, especially considering that chicken farmers have not been compensated for previous culling episodes.

The DA calls on the government to prioritize the livelihoods of poultry farmers, ensure fair compensation for losses incurred due to culling, and expedite the approval of vaccination protocols. The industry’s need for urgent intervention to prevent further financial losses and safeguard the nation’s poultry production cannot be overstated.

This bureaucratic paralysis is fueled by disagreements over unnecessarily onerous and impractical protocols proposed by the DALRRD. The proposed constant testing mandates are not only prohibitively expensive but also scientifically unsound, relying on an outdated “cull-and-kill” approach instead of embracing internationally recognized vaccination best practices.

While the DA acknowledges the concerns about potential asymptomatic spread of the virus through vaccinated birds by DALRRD, it is our considered view that they can be effectively addressed through a balanced approach that utilizes responsible vaccination alongside appropriate biosecurity measures and targeted surveillance. The existing “cull-and-kill” approach has demonstrably failed to contain the outbreak, resulting in devastating economic losses and animal welfare concerns.

In the short to medium term, the DA calls on government to:

• Expedite the approval process for poultry farm vaccination applications;
• Work collaboratively with the industry to develop practical and cost-effective vaccination protocols; and
• Provide adequate financial support to poultry farmers for implementing biosecurity measures and surveillance programs.

The DA will not stand idly by while the government’s inaction cripples the poultry industry and puts our chicken industry and economy at risk. We demand immediate action and collaboration to protect our industry, the livelihoods of countless individuals and the nation’s food security.

Regards

Noko Masipa MP
DA Shadow Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development