Govt gives farmers go-ahead to administer bird flu vaccinations

CAPE TOWN - The government has given farmers the go-ahead to administer bird flu vaccinations.  

Earlier this week, Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen announced that the country will soon begin mass vaccination in the poultry sector.   

Although most birds can contract the H5N1 virus, poultry is more susceptible. 

For now, authorities said the virus hasn’t been detected in the Western Cape.  

State veterinarian Vivien Malan said bird flu does not pose a serious risk to humans.

“Vaccination in poultry can only be done under the approval from the National Directorate of Animal Health. So far, only one company has had approval, and it will only be given to large-scale producers with high-value birds.”

He added that the virus usually mutates every year. 

“I think that just in general, people should be careful if they do see large numbers of birds that died, and please make sure that they then contact the local state head office, and then we are just asking all releases to ensure that they have increased their biosecurity.”