Bird flu: Rainbow culls 410 000 birds as outbreak spreads
Rainbow has been hit by the avian influenza outbreak. The poultry unit has culled a total of 410,000 chickens so far due to the bird flu.
Rainbow, one of the country’s largest chicken producers, is the latest company to be affected by the outbreak of bird flu. RCL Foods announced on Thursday that over 410,000 chickens were culled due to the rapidly spreading Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). The bird flu outbreak is causing havoc across South Africa and is predicted to bring on a shortage of chicken and egg products as experts try to contain the infected flock.
ALSO READ: South Africa has over 50 confirmed cases of avian influenza
SOUTH AFRICAN BIRD FLU HITS RAINBOW’S CHICKENS
Rainbow has taken measures to prevent the further spread of avian flu. They culled 410,000 chickens so far as the country battles against the worst bird flu outbreak to date. The organisation announced on Thursday that the outbreak has taken a serious financial toll on business. “The outbreak has moved at a rapid pace, and the situation is constantly evolving. To date, an estimated 410,000 birds have been culled, which has resulted in an estimated financial impact of 115 million rand ($5.99 million),” they announced.
ALSO READ: SA poultry farmers warn of chicken and egg shortages after bird flu outbreak
CHICKEN MEAT AND EGG SUPPLY WILL BE AFFECTED BY BIRD FLU
Consumers have been warned that the chicken meat and egg supply will fall short within these few weeks. As the outbreak continues, the high death rate has already seen large producers affected, including the country’s largest producers, Quantum Foods and Astral Foods. Astral Foods stated, “It is expected that the supply of poultry meat into the value chain could be affected negatively in the coming months”.
WILL THE PRICE OF CHICKEN AND EGGS INCREASE?
It’s hard to tell when the industry will recover as the outbreak spreads. The poultry industry has already been burdened by load-shedding and rising supply costs. This leaves consumers wondering if the outbreak will bring on an increase to already high food prices. The outbreak has already taken a toll on the market as RCL Foods shares dropped by 8% this week alone.
ALSO READ: Worst bird flu outbreak in South Africa threatens chickens
ABOUT THE AVIAN FLU
The H5N is an airborne disease and type of bird flu. It primarily affects birds but can be passed to humans through the infected birds. Human-to-human contact is possible but rare. Those most at risk are the people in close contact with infected birds, such as those working in the poultry sector, farmers or veterinarians. It is advised that these individuals wear protective gear when handling animals.
ALSO READ: Seven things YOU need to know about the SUPER-INFECTIOUS bird flu in SA
Rainbow, one of the country’s largest chicken producers, is the latest company to be affected by the outbreak of bird flu. RCL Foods announced on Thursday that over 410,000 chickens were culled due to the rapidly spreading Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). The bird flu outbreak is causing havoc across South Africa and is predicted to bring on a shortage of chicken and egg products as experts try to contain the infected flock.
SOUTH AFRICAN BIRD FLU HITS RAINBOW’S CHICKENS
Rainbow has taken measures to prevent the further spread of avian flu. They culled 410,000 chickens so far as the country battles against the worst bird flu outbreak to date. The organisation announced on Thursday that the outbreak has taken a serious financial toll on business. “The outbreak has moved at a rapid pace, and the situation is constantly evolving. To date, an estimated 410,000 birds have been culled, which has resulted in an estimated financial impact of 115 million rand ($5.99 million),” they announced.
ALSO READ: SA poultry farmers warn of chicken and egg shortages after bird flu outbreak
CHICKEN MEAT AND EGG SUPPLY WILL BE AFFECTED
Consumers have been warned that the chicken meat and egg supply will fall short within these few weeks. As the outbreak continues, the high death rate has already seen large producers affected, including the country’s largest producers, Quantum Foods and Astral Foods. Astral Foods stated, “It is expected that the supply of poultry meat into the value chain could be affected negatively in the coming months”.
WILL THE PRICE OF CHICKEN AND EGGS INCREASE?
It’s hard to tell when the industry will recover as the outbreak spreads. The poultry industry has already been burdened by load-shedding and rising supply costs. This leaves consumers wondering if the outbreak will bring on an increase to already high food prices. The outbreak has already taken a toll on the market as RCL Foods shares dropped by 8% this week alone.
ALSO READ: Worst bird flu outbreak in South Africa threatens chickens
ABOUT THE AVIAN FLU
The H5N is an airborne disease and type of bird flu. It primarily affects birds but can be passed to humans through the infected birds. Human-to-human contact is possible but rare. Those most at risk are the people in close contact with infected birds, such as those working in the poultry sector, farmers or veterinarians. It is advised that these individuals wear protective gear when handling animals.
ALSO READ: Seven things YOU need to know about the SUPER-INFECTIOUS bird flu in SA