The poultry industry in South Africa is facing a tough crisis due to the outbreak of bird flu - and it is expected to get even worse in the coming months.

The shortage of chickens and eggs could last for 12 to 18 months.

George Southey, general manager of Merlog Foods, has provided a gloomy outlook for the poultry sector, saying that around 10 million chickens have been infected and over seven million have died.

"The life cycle of production of broiler chickens is somewhat unique, and as such, the full brunt of this shortage has yet to be felt by consumers," Southey explained during an interview on Radio 702.

He said while there is currently enough chicken stock in the system, it is during the upcoming cycle of chicken growth starting around mid-November when consumers will truly start feeling the impact.

He predicts a monthly shortage of around 50 million kg of chicken, starting from December and lasting for at least a year.

Thoko Didiza, the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, has granted thousands of permits for the importation of eggs and chicken meat.

Reggie Ngcobo, a spokesperson for the department, said: "To ensure that there is sufficient stock available in time for the Christmas holiday season, minister Didiza has allowed the importation of table and fertilised eggs as well as poultry meat."

Retailers are also taking measures to manage the shortage. Woolworths, for example, has imposed a temporary limit on egg purchases, restricting customers to one pack of six eggs per customer.

Compiled by staff writer