Bird flu
Dutch cull 190,000 chickens after bird flu outbreaks
Seasonal bird flu has been detected at various farms around the Netherlands since October, blamed mainly on migratory birds.
The organisation says they now intend on subdividing the property and sell some land to ensure the sanctuary continues as normal.
The first outbreak in Madibeng involves quails from a commercial farm, while the second in Maquassi Hills involves wild ducks which have been kept as pets.
The Environmental Affairs Department’s Zolile Nqayi says to manage the bird flu spread they’ve decided to halt all research activities involving the handling of seabirds.
Although the flu has low risk to humans it can still spread to domestic poultry.
Economic Opportunities Minster says last year 2.4 million of the province's layer hens were culled as a result of the infection, impacting on egg production & supply.
The case involved a 68-year-old woman in Jiangsu province who developed symptoms on 25 December, was admitted to hospital on 1 January and discharged on 22 January.
Western Cape Economic Opportunities MEC Alan Winde has confirmed that no new bird flu cases have been reported since the outbreak in October.
Namibia imports the bulk of its poultry from South Africa, but also gets some of its supply from Belgium, Argentina, Brazil and the Netherlands.
An outbreak of the disease gutted the province's poultry industry. However, tests have confirmed the presence of the H5N8 virus in swift terns in some regions.
Agriculture MEC Alan Winde says the last case in the province was picked up in late October.
The industry has suffered under an outbreak of avian influenza which cost the economy more than R800 million.
Officials say there've been no new reported bird flu cases in the province, signalling the worst may be over.
There have been 63 confirmed cases of avian influenza in the province with no new infections reported at commercial farms since 18 October.
There's been a significant increase in poultry prices due to the devastating avian influenza that’s hit several farms in the country.
While some supermarket shelves aren’t completely bare, the egg price has increased by a few rands.
There are currently 56 reported cases of bird flu in the Western Cape six more than was recorded the previous week.
The SA Poultry Association says commercial egg production per day has dropped to 17 million from 20.4 million after an outbreak of the H5N8 virus was detected in June.
Windmeul Eggs Managing Director Pier Passerini says about 70% of the retail shelves are soon expected to be empty.