Namibia, Zim ban SA poultry
imports
Agricultural economists have warned the nationwide ban on live poultry could have a negative effect if the spread of the H5N8 virus is not contained.
Paul Makube, senior agricultural economist at FNB, said the ban would hit a sector that has been under pressure for some time.
"South Africa still exports chicken but we do so in small quantities. In terms of the ban, yes it will affect us; some countries will impose a ban on imports from South Africa, the latest being Zimbabwe and Namibia," said Makube.
"Indications so far are that the two farms account for a small percentage of production of the eggs and broilers. But further outbreaks will be bad news as the poultry industry has been under stress because of last year's drought and it is struggling to recover.
"The higher imports resulted in significant price pressures on the local industry at the time when feed costs reached record highs [2016]," said Makube.
The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries introduced the ban on Monday to try to contain an outbreak of the virus, which was detected in Mpumalanga and the Free State.
Yesterday the government held a meeting with those in the poultry industry to find a lasting solution to the spread of bird flu.
As the meeting proceeded behind closed doors, Zimbabwe banned chicken imports from South Africa.
"The ban has no time line but we will wait for indications from them [South Africa]," said Zimbabwe's veterinary services director Josphat Nyika.
Although the ban affects only live poultry, this hasn't stopped consumers from being concerned about buying chickens.
Retailer Woolworths has moved to allay consumer fears: "All of our chickens are sourced from South African suppliers with whom we have a direct relationship."
But, despite the ban, it was business as usual for chicken traders opposite the busy Pan Africa Mall in Alexandra, in northern Johannesburg, yesterday.
Alvina Khuphe, one of the traders, said should the spread become a crisis it will pose a threat to her livelihood.
"I am aware of the outbreak; it is a scary thing for me because my livelihood depends on this job.
"I have no idea how I will take care of my family if I lose this job," said Khuphe.
A supplier of live chickens, Suleiman Jeena is concerned that he may have to lay off his employees if things get worse.
"We will have to wait and see what happens, but if push comes to shove I will have to let go of them, as I won't be able to afford to pay them.
"We are worried as this is our bread and butter."
Jeena said he travels across the country to get the best value for money on his stock.
"I go around looking for the cheapest and healthy chickens for my customers [as far as] Potchefstroom, Mpumalanga, Kroonstad, and sometimes Bloemfontein."