South Africa: Bird Flu - Outbreak Leaves a 'Fowl' Taste in the Mouth

analysis

The South African government has issued a national ban on the sale of live chickens. The ban follows an outbreak of the contagious H5N8 avian flu virus on at least two farms - both in Mpumalanga - where they will now have to cull thousands of egg-laying birds. But it's not just the large-scale chicken farmers who will feel the economic impact of the ban - sellers of live chickens on the streets of Soweto are also being hit hard. By BHEKI C SIMELANE.

Simon Mtonga, 70, has only 16 live chickens left to sell. When they are sold, Mtonga and his family will be facing starvation.

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