OVS note 2011/20 – Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in South Africa
Purpose
To advise you of an outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in South Africa.
Background
On 12 April, the South African authorities advised of an outbreak of HPAI (H5N2) in a commercial ostrich farm in the district of Oudtshoorn and Uniondale in the Western Cape Province.
The South African authorities have confirmed that veterinary certification of ratite meat was suspended as of 9 April and have advised that they are in the process of re-calling all ostrich meat produced and exported after 1 February 2011.
In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 798/2008, South Africa is authorised to export live ratites, day-old chicks, hatching eggs and meat of ratites. However, they can no longer certify these commodities as their territory is no longer free of HPAI. The Regulation will be formally amended shortly.
Action for OVSs
If you receive any of the above commodities certified between 1 February and 9 April, you should contact the Specialist Service Centre for Imports at Chelmsford for further advice.
We will keep you informed of developments.