The Inkatha Freedom in KwaZulu-Natal has challenged the KZN MEC for Agriculture, Themba Mthembu to tell the public and farmers what measures are in place to protect chickens in the province should the H5N8 virus pose a threat to our poultry industry.
“Since some provinces have already felt the devastating effects of bird flu, we challenge the MEC to reveal what prevention measures, if any his Department has in place to safeguard our poultry industry. Our province is an agricultural hub that produces food not only for South Africa but also for the export market.
It is vitally important that this sector is not undermined by the probable threat that is posed by this disease. We therefore believe that the Department of Agriculture should be proactive and engage with the poultry industry in order to give them peace of mind that their chickens will not be affected.
We advise farmers to be vigilant for any signs of disease in their birds and seek prompt advice from their vet if they have any concerns,” said Mr Nhlanhla Msimango MPL, IFP KZN Spokesperson on Agriculture.
“We recently experienced the problem of army worms that destroyed crops and left many farmers facing severe losses. The MEC should not remain silent with arms folded in the face of another threat, this time to our poultry industry. We cannot allow a situation where this government only reacts in a knee-jerk manner after a disaster has occurred,” concluded Mr Msimango.
Issued by:
Mr Nhlanhla Msimango MPL
IFP KZN Provincial Spokesperson on Agriculture
074 259 0820