South Africa moves to enable HPAI vaccination in poultry sector

South Africa’s Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, has moved to amend the Animal Diseases Regulations (R.2026 of 1986) to allow the introduction of vaccination against highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

The decision follows a formal objection submitted by the South African Poultry Association (SAPA) under Section 23 of the Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act No. 35 of 1984). SAPA argued that existing disease-control measures did not provide poultry producers with a practical or affordable way to manage HPAI outbreaks and relied heavily on the culling of affected and exposed birds.

After reviewing the findings of the Section 23 Investigation Committee, Steenhuisen accepted recommendations aimed at introducing vaccination as part of South Africa’s HPAI control strategy. The Minister said the changes would provide poultry producers with a legal mechanism to use vaccination as a disease-control tool.

The proposed approach combines vaccination, biosecurity and testing in the management of HPAI outbreaks. It also marks a shift from the traditional “stamping-out” model, under which infected and exposed birds are destroyed.

The Department of Agriculture plans to amend the Animal Diseases Regulations or issue a formal Section 9 control measure to establish procedures for responding to HPAI outbreaks on poultry farms. The objective is to establish a clear legal framework for the management of HPAI outbreaks and establish clear procedures for outbreak response.

The new rules are intended to provide a framework that accommodates both commercial poultry operations and smallholder farmers. The department will continue to oversee national HPAI surveillance, laboratory testing and compliance with disease-control requirements during outbreaks. It will also remain responsible for maintaining international trade standards.

Steenhuisen said the policy change would allow producers to use vaccination alongside existing disease-control measures while supporting disease prevention and helping protect agricultural jobs.

The Minister has instructed the department to introduce interim control measures while the regulatory amendments are being finalised through the relevant statutory procedures. A deadline has also been set for publication of the necessary government gazette.

Source: SAnews.gov.za