Hundreds of ostriches are being culled following an outbreak of avian influenza near Mossel Bay, the Western Cape’s veterinary chief said on Wednesday. ”At least a couple of thousand will be culled,” said Dr James Kitching.
He said the number is small — about the same number a single abattoir handles in a week.
Earlier in July, the Department of Agriculture and Land Affairs placed an ostrich farm near Mossel Bay under quarantine when the flu was detected.
The department said the outbreak is not related to the deadly H5N1 strain, which has caused human fatalities in other parts of the world.
Local ostrich meat remains safe for human consumption.
Kitching said two properties are affected.
Ostriches are killed with the assistance of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, with birds stunned with an electric shock before being shot.
”We hope to be done by the end of the week,” Kitching said, adding that farmers are compensated for their loss.
A precautionary European Union ban, in place since early July, on the import of ostrich meat and meat-related products remains in force. — Sapa