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Avian Flu Could Hit South Africa's Chicken, Egg Supply For Months

The poultry industry in South Africa is in trouble due to the outbreak of avian flu.

George Southey, general manager of Merlog Foods, says 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 said during an interview on Radio 702 and reported by Scrolla Africa. He says there is enough chicken stock in the system for now but consumers will start feeling the impact during the upcoming cycle of chicken growth starting around mid-November. He predicts a monthly shortage of around 50 million kilgrams of chicken, starting from December and lasting for at least a year.

The Daily Maverick reports that the Association of Meat Importers and Exporters says a temporary rebate on import duties for chicken and poultry products is a good move for food security in South Africa. This follows a Department of Trade and Industry's directive that the International Trade Administration Commission (Itac) create a temporary rebate on poultry imports

But the meat association warns that Itac needs to decide on the matter soon - or consumers will see high prices and supply issues well into the new year.

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