The Minister of Agriculture of the Western Cape, Cobus Dowry, made an urgent appeal to poultry farmers to ensure that their flocks are vaccinated against Newcastle disease. He says that although the disease in the province has only caused isolated mortalities in poultry in Murraysburg, Knysna and Napier, there is no reason to be over-confident. He expressed his concern especially about the risk posed by non-vaccinated poultry to large commercial poultry units and the ostrich industry. The province is the major exporter of ostrich meat in the world and a major supplier of poultry meat to Namibia and other SADC countries. Dowry also issued a timely warning on the increased risk for spread of the disease associated with the approaching festive season. It is usually this time of the year when culled laying hens from poultry units are offered for sale. These birds are popular with some consumers to compliment their preparations for the festive season but they also pose a risk due to the increase in movement from possible infected farms. He emphasized that not only is it absolutely essential but also legally obligatory to notify any suspicion of Newcastle disease to the nearest state veterinarian or animal health technician.
The Chief Director of Veterinary Services in the Western Cape, dr Gideon Brückner, said that the Department of Agriculture is ready to respond rapidly in the event of an outbreak to diagnose and control the disease. He said that discussions were held with the major poultry producers and vaccine manufacturers to formulate contingency plans to protect the poultry industry in the province. There was a unanimous offer from County Fair, Tydstroom and Rainbow for the supply of free vaccine and assistance with vaccinations around the areas surrounding the major commercial poultry farms. Further information on the assistance that can be offered can be obtained from the sub directorate Animal Health at Elsenburg (telephone number 021 808 5053).
Enquiries:
Alie van Jaarsveld
021 483 4700
084-604-6701
Dr Gideon Brückner
021 808 5001/2
083 6415163
