The department can confirm a second case of Avian Influenza reported in a layer farm in Villiers, in Standerton in the Mpumalanga province. The Virus is the same strain as the initial case reported, but the two farms are not directly linked, meaning this is a separate introduction. The farm has been placed under quarantine over 25 000 of the infected birds will be culled. Eggs are not allowed to move out of the farm.
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“The Ban of live hens (including roosters) is still in place, to enable the department to assess the extent of the outbreak. We will observe this ban for a period of 14 days and will reassess the situation. It takes approximately four days for the infected bird to show clinical signs of the disease. We have put this measure in place to prevent further unintended spread of the Influenza,” said department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs MEC Vusi Shongwe.
