Latest News & Developments
bird flu
NATO ally turns down US plea for eggs
The American market is experiencing a severe egg shortage due to a bird flu outbreak.
Local poultry farmers anxious as avian flu wreaks havoc in foreign countries
Industry leaders agreed that vaccination was essential, particularly after the devastating losses experienced from outbreaks in 2017 and 2023.
Lab workers key to California’s bird flu response are poised to strike
Former lab workers have reported that limited career advancement opportunities and poor management have led to a significant staff exodus early last year. Chronic staffing shortages have since increased errors and left remaining workers ill-equipped to handle the demanding virus testing.
New version of bird flu infects Nevada dairy worker
A Nevada dairy worker was infected with a version of bird flu that is known to have killed one person in the United States and severely sickened a teen in Canada, state and federal health authorities said.
Warning that Avian Flu could surpass Covid-19 if it mutates
South Africa braces for potential public health threats in 2025, with respiratory viruses like influenza, Covid-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and human metapneumovirus (HMPV) likely to dominate concerns. Professor Burtram Fielding, Dean of the Science Faculty at Stellenbosch University and an expert in virology, warns that global travel and climate change could lead to unpredictable spikes in infections outside traditional seasons.
Concerns over Avian Flu on Marion Island as testing samples delayed
Birds infected with HPAI/H5N1 commonly display unusual behaviour (lethargy and seizures), neurological abnormalities, conjunctivitis, and respiratory distress.
African Penguin & Sea Bird ranger’s daily expeditions
As World Ranger Day is being celebrated, a local ranger who takes care of the endangered African penguins and sea birds on Robben Island shares her story on her daily expedition to help preserve the species.
Expert shares tips on how business travellers can navigate the flu season
Looking after travellers’ well-being is important, especially considering how travel can affect our immune systems.
The National Communicable Institute provides an update on the flu season, including growing rates and key cautions
Health officials urge the public to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions, like maintaining good hygiene and considering flu vaccinations, to minimise the risk of infection this season.
Watch out for avian flu, warns top SA scientist
A renowned leading scientist says the world must keep a close watch on avian flu to prevent another pandemic.
Bird flu in US cows: Could the virus spread globally?
Risk of bird flu spreading to cows outside US, says WHO
There is no chicken shortage in the country, says SA Poultry Association
The SA Poultry Association (SAPA) gave a report to two government organisations saying that there is no need to continue with tax refunds on chicken imports, as doing so would be illegal.
Relief after avian flu outbreak contained
Farming associations have welcomed the announcement by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development that the avian flu outbreak has been contained.
Concern mounts over potential ‘new human pandemic’ after avian flu mutation raises the alarm
A mutation of avian flu is raising serious concerns about a potential new human pandemic, as the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain has now become transmissible between mammals.
Grocery shopping: 9 foods with the biggest price hikes
A basket of eight items, including fruit, vegetables, eggs, and hot beverages, cost R72. 62 more than it did a year ago.
Bird centre forced to migrate
The African Raptor Centre has been forced to move from its home and needs the public’s help to make it happen.
Egg shortages and fusion offerings: Here are the top food stories for 2023
The dynamic food industry has continued to evolve during 2023.
Festive season food costs: You could be paying R2 more per kilogram for chicken products
This festive season may see you spending more on chicken as the impact of the avian flu, load shedding, and the water crisis causes the price of chicken products to soar.
Astral plans to rebuild balance sheet after worst loss ever
Astral Foods’s headline earnings a share fell by a staggering 148% following R2. 1 billion of load shedding, water disruption and bird flu costs, but investors’ eyes are likely to be on the way forward.
Eggciting news! No need for panic buying as egg-level stocks are replenishing
'We have increased fertilised eggs from 1. 9 million to 9 million in less than one month,' said Minister Thoko Didiza.
No need for panic buying, egg stocks are being replenished, says government
A wave of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks ravaged poultry flocks across South Africa in recent months.
What goes up must come down – but not the interest rate, and not this month
The best we can hope for is an unchanged rate, but some economists predict it will go up.
KZN farmers cautiously welcome poultry imports
KZN farmers and civil society group Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group have welcomed the importation of eggs and poultry products, provided it does not negatively affect the local poultry sector.
Mashatile: farmers affected by bird flu will get support they need
Mashatile said there were measures that were being taken by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development to support the farmers through a blended finance scheme.
Himalaya Wellness Company says it has HPAI solution
The two herbal products, namely Pulmoboost and Liv. 52 Protec, are quick acting during respiratory distress while restoring the metabolism of the bird through betterment of feed intake in the affected birds, respectively.