Oudtshoorn

Mbulaeni Mulaudzi, world indoor and Commonwealth 800m champion, showed his readiness to defend his titles in Moscow and Melbourne next month when he recorded a comfortable win at the fifth Athletics South Africa Champions meeting at Oudtshoorn on Saturday afternoon.

South Africa, the world’s largest exporter of ostrich meat, is taking extensive measures to prevent a bird-flu outbreak that could cripple an industry still reeling from a year-long ban on exports. As migratory birds from Europe and Asia head for Africa, South African ostrich farmers are taking all possible steps to prevent a crisis.

A century ago, ostrich plumes were South Africa’s most valuable export after gold, diamonds and wool. The outbreak of World War I and the advent of the motor car — which made fancy-feathered hats impractical — snapped the trend in flight. Today, ostrich feathers and other luxury goods such as ostrich leather and meat are making a global comeback, one that faces new threats.