He said the disease is only present in wild water birds such as geese.

He explained, however, that because Benoni has numerous waterbodies, birds were at an increased risk of being infected.

“We only found bird flu at the Dunblane Equestrian Centre and, prior to that, in the Marister area just across from Dunblane,” he said.

Mpofu stated that there had been no reported cases of domestic or commercial birds being infected.

He also said it was difficult to say if normal birds such as sparrows and pigeons were carriers as they had not seen any affected by the disease.

“We found a number of dead wild birds at the centre so we took two samples; they tested positive for bird flu,” he explained.

“People who own poultry should avoid wild bird areas.”

Mpofu explained that poultry owners and farmers could unknowingly introduce the disease to their poultry houses if they step in droppings left by wild birds.

He also said poultry should be kept in an enclosure, especially if they are kept close to a wild, waterbird area in order to keep them from interacting with the wild birds.

He said wild birds often visit areas where poultry is kept.

“These are migrating birds and it poses a risk,” he said.

They carry the disease and zero in on areas to look for food where poultry is kept.

He said South Africa has been struggling with bird flu for a while and that Benonians need not panic, but should be cautious and attentive to help eradicate the disease.

According to a statement in a press conference on August 30 by the Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Senzeni Zokwana, bird flu was first detected in South Africa on June 22.

He also said that regulatory bodies were searching for “scientifically sound and practical ways to bring the outbreaks to a halt and to minimise the effect on all poultry in South Africa”.

Mpofu said it was up to every poultry owner to keep his or her stock safe as state veterinary services could not simply kill all wild birds.

The ministry stated that the strain of bird flu found (H5N8) does not cause any harm to humans.

It also recommended the following measures be taken on a farming level:

• Keep poultry away from wetlands and areas often visited by wild birds.

• Do not provide an abundance of food on properties because it may attract wild birds.

• Control people’s access to equipment.

• Keep poultry houses and equipment clean.

• Do not introduce new birds whose disease status is unknown, to flocks

• Dispose of manure and dead poultry in a safe way.

• Report illness and the death of birds to Dr Mpofu at 010 344 1395 or 071 543 3028 for immediate investigation.

The minister reported that the control of the movement of live chickens in the informal and small commercial sector, was a critical risk management measure.

To ensure this level of control, the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has authorised the Poultry Disease Management Agency to register and keep records of all parties selling and buying chickens.

This in turn, enables the agency to oversee the health status of poultry, which then safeguards consumers and avoids hampering local trade.

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