THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, LAND REFORM AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT ADDRESSES SHORTAGE OF EGGS AND POULTRY MEAT AHEAD OF THE FESTIVE SEASON.

By: Selaki Ledwaba

The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD)
yesterday announced that they are working with stakeholders in the poultry
industry.

In a statement, the department said they are doing everything possible to
contain the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) which is plaguing not only
South Africa but other parts of the world as well.

South Africa reported its first bird flu cases in commercial poultry in April this
year.

DALRRD Minster Angela Thoko Didiza has decided to allow the importation of
table eggs, fertilized eggs and poultry meat to ensure sufficient stocks is
available on time for the Christmas holiday season.

According to Didiza, the department has granted 115 permits for fertiliser
eggs, 48 permits for egg powder, 2406 permits for poultry meat and 24 permits
for table eggs. Meanwhile, about 34 511 poultry meat has been imported, with
1.9 million Matric Tons of hatching eggs and 5 840 Day old chicks.