FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
5 JULY 2006
STATEMENT BY COBUS DOWRY,
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE IN THE WESTERN CAPE
FURTHER SURVEILLANCE FOR AVIAN INFLUENZA
The Directorate of Veterinary Services of the Department of Agriculture
in the Western Cape is well on track with the survey to determine if,
apart from the one incident on the ostrich farm near Mossel Bay, there
is any indication of active infection of Avian Influenza on ostrich and
poultry farms in the surrounding areas. This is done in cooperation
with the National Department of Agriculture and the Onderstepoort
Veterinary Institute with full cooperation of the ostrich industry.
Ostriches and poultry in the province are tested for Avian Influenza on
a six-monthly basis since 2004. During the last round of testing in the
province, completed at the end of May 2006, tests for the disease
yielded negative results. The Western Cape received praise for the
manner in which we dealt with the potential problem in 2004.
I want to echo the statement of the national Department of Agriculture
in stating categorically that South African ostrich and poultry meat
remains safe for human consumption.
We trust that the excellent working relationship between the ostrich
industry in the province, and the different Departments of Agriculture
will all contribute in containing the outbreak of Avian Influenza.
Hopefully this has been an isolated incident and I want to urge all role
players to do our utmost to uphold and protect our export status.
Enquiries:
Jan Bosman
(021) 483-4700
083-630-6187