A temporary ban on the movement of ostriches and other poultry in Mossel Bay and Riversdale has been lifted, the Western Cape department of agriculture said on Friday.
However, this did not apply in areas between the N2 in the south and the Langeberg mountains in the north, and the R232 and R238, said provincial minister of agriculture Cobus Dowry.
”The temporary suspension on the export of ostrich meat will therefore remain in place,” he said.
A ban was placed on Ostrich imports and meat from the Mossel Bay and Riversdale districts earlier this month after an outbreak of avian influenza was detected in the two districts.
Dowry said ostriches infected with the virus and high-risk contact animals in the Riversdale district had been culled in the past 10 days.
”Following the culling, all ostrich farms within 10km of the infected property were tested for indications that the disease has spread,” said Dowry.
”Based on the negative results obtained the department of agriculture lifted the temporary ban that was placed on the movement of ostriches and other poultry.”
Dowry said the regular monitoring of ostrich farms would continue.
”Where necessary, further investigations will be done and if required, appropriate actions will be taken in respect of individual properties suspected of being infected.”
Dowry assured the public that ostrich meat products on sale at the moment were safe for consumption. — Sapa