The South African poultry industry is facing mounting challenges as Avian Influenza (AI or bird flu) continues to spread globally. Experts warn that the country remains highly vulnerable to another outbreak, even as many producers work to recover from the devastating 2023 outbreaks. Industry leaders emphasise the urgent need for proactive measures, with vaccination emerging as the only viable long-term solution.

According to Izaak Breitenbach, CEO of the SA Poultry Association’s Broiler Organisation, “We are running out of time. Bird flu is spreading globally, and each outbreak is more devastating than the last. The government must act now to prevent another catastrophe.”

Limitations of Culling as a Control Measure

For years, culling has been the primary method of containing bird flu outbreaks. However, this approach has proven increasingly unsustainable. Mass culling results in significant poultry shortages, escalating prices, and major financial losses for farmers. Unlike many other nations, South Africa does not compensate farmers for birds ordered to be culled by the government. Without financial support, many poultry producers face the risk of bankruptcy.

Industry experts argue that without compensation, culling can have unintended consequences. Farmers may delay reporting infections due to fears of financial ruin, potentially allowing the virus to spread further. Additionally, while culling addresses immediate outbreaks, it fails to prevent future ones, leaving the industry vulnerable to continued devastation.

Breitenbach emphasises this point: “Culling works better when it is incentivised. In other countries, government compensation encourages transparency and quick reporting of infections. In South Africa, the lack of compensation is a major problem.”

Vaccination as the Only Sustainable Solution

With the virus mutating and spreading more aggressively, stakeholders argue that culling alone is no longer sufficient. Vaccination has proven successful in multiple countries, including France, China, Egypt, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Mexico. These nations have implemented comprehensive vaccination programs that mitigate the impact of outbreaks, reduce viral shedding, and protect poultry populations, ultimately stabilizing both industry operations and consumer prices.

France, in particular, has demonstrated the effectiveness of vaccination. The government there subsidised the vaccination of 20 million ducks, leading to promising results. Encouraged by the success of the initial program, France has since launched a second phase of vaccination. Industry leaders point to this example as evidence that South Africa must follow suit.

“The best example we have is France. They have successfully implemented vaccination, and South Africa needs to do the same,” says Breitenbach.

Regulatory Barriers Delay Implementation

Despite the willingness of South African poultry producers to vaccinate their flocks, no vaccinations have taken place to date. While the government has approved vaccine registration, excessive bureaucratic hurdles remain. Farmers are required to obtain individual permissions, and strict biosecurity protocols make compliance expensive and difficult. These restrictive measures have effectively stalled efforts to implement widespread vaccination.

Breitenbach criticizes these roadblocks, stating, “The biosecurity standards the government has set are so restrictive that even our export farms, which follow the highest protocols, struggle to comply. We need a more practical and affordable vaccination program.”

Time is Running Out

As the global spread of bird flu accelerates, the South African poultry industry warns that time is running out. The country’s high-risk season begins in March, and experts stress that full vaccination coverage takes at least a year to achieve. Without immediate action, the nation could face another catastrophic outbreak.

Industry representatives are urging the Department of Agriculture to streamline the vaccination approval process. Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has been called upon to intervene and ensure that a practical and effective vaccination strategy can be implemented without further delays.

Beyond industry concerns, the issue also holds national food security implications. A severe outbreak could result in widespread farm closures, leading to sharp increases in poultry and egg prices.

Stakeholders argue that the government faces a clear decision: if it cannot compensate farmers for culling, it must enable vaccination before it is too late. “We cannot afford another bird flu disaster,” warns Breitenbach. “The government must act—now.”