The Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform has managed to control the outbreak of the Avian Influenza (AI) in a flock of Ostriches into only one farm since it was positively confirmed late in October.

Teasdale Farm, in the Klipplaat area at Ikwezi Local Municipality had ostriches testing positive on 14 October and was immediately put under quarantine including the farm within the radius of 10 km in terms of the Animal Disease Control Act.

Samples from the Hardwood farm, which is 6km from Teasdale, were tested and the results from the laboratory showed no clinical evidence of AI but it is still under the quarantine.

The department has further found out that 222 Ostriches were moved from Teasdale to Wapadsleegte farm in Graaf Reinet before the outbreak and the results from that farm were negative but the state vets will continue to monitor the farm monthly.

The Veterinary Services section, following instructions from the National Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, made an agreement with the owner of Teasdale Farm to cull all his 628 birds in a bid to control the disease.

The department is committed in fulfilling its responsibility of protecting the provincial livestock against any disease of economic importance and those that are a potential threat to human health.