by TINTSWALO BALOYI
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – THE South African Poultry Association (SAPA) has welcomed the announcement by the government on allowing the importation of eggs.
This is anticipated to ease the shortage of the commodity in South Africa.
Imports are allowed from Angola, Malawi, Namibia and Zimbabwe, to South Africa, which is enduring another outbreak of bird flu.
“These are good steps to assist the industry during this crisis,” said Abongile Balarane, Gneral Manager of the Egg Association.
Under normal circumstances, the South African egg industry has about 27 million hens.
About 6 million layer hens have been culled with another 3 million suspected to be affected by the flu.
The country is to import a bulk of powder and liquid eggs, which are mainly used for industrial purposes.
Balarane said this would assist the poultry industry in rebuilding the flock size and waiting for vaccines to be allowed in South Africa.
“We also believe that most of the SADC countries like Zimbabwe, Namibia, Angola, and Malawi which are free from Avian Influenza can assist the industry to fill in some of the needed supplies.”
South Africa, the continent’s most diversified economy, is still reeling from another outbreak of Avian flu in 2017.
Then, rotten eggs were reportedly dumped into South Africa from South America.
– CAJ News