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Wednesday, November 2, 2011

South Africa : Bird flu under control in EC

Article via Bua News Online :

" Pretoria : An outbreak of Avian Influenza (AI) has been swiftly brought under control in the Eastern Cape after it was detected on an ostrich farm in Teasdale, near Graaf Reinet, in October.

Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development said the birds on the farm tested positive for the Avian Influenza on 14 October and were immediately placed under quarantine - along with other farms within a radius of 10km in terms of the Animal Disease Control Act.

Birds on the Hardwood Farm, situated 6km away, were also tested but results from the laboratory showed no clinical evidence of AI. The farm is still under quarantine.

"The department has further found out that 222 ostriches were moved from Teasdale to Wapadsleegte farm in Graaf Reinet before the outbreak. The results from that farm were negative but the state vets will continue to monitor the farm monthly," spokesperson Ayabulela Ngoqo said in statement.

Under the instructions from the national department and the Veterinary Services section, the owner of Teasdale Farm is to cull all his 628 birds in a bid to control the disease.

Ngoqo said the department was committed to fulfilling its responsibility of protecting the provincial livestock against any disease of economic importance and those that are a potential threat to human health."

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