SAPA emphasised that the success of the vaccination programme would depend on clear regulations, scientifically validated vaccines, effective monitoring systems and ongoing cooperation between government and industry stakeholders.
Image: File
South Africa's poultry industry has welcomed Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen's decision to introduce a regulatory framework that will allow the use of vaccines against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), marking a significant shift in the country's approach to managing bird flu outbreaks.
The move represents a departure from a long-standing policy that relied primarily on the mass culling of infected and exposed birds to contain the disease. The poultry industry is one of South Africa's largest agricultural sectors and plays a critical role in food security, rural development and employment.
Industry stakeholders have argued that the approach has imposed severe financial costs on producers, disrupted poultry and egg supplies, and contributed to higher food prices for consumers.
In a statement on Wednesday, Steenhuisen announced plans to amend animal disease regulations to create a legal framework for the use of vaccination as part of a broader avian influenza management strategy.
Under the new framework, poultry producers will be permitted to implement vaccination programmes subject to regulatory oversight and compliance with enhanced disease-monitoring requirements.
Farmers will be required to combine vaccination with strict biosecurity protocols, surveillance programmes and testing measures designed to prevent the spread of the virus and ensure early detection of outbreaks.
The decision follows a formal objection lodged by the South African Poultry Association (SAPA) under the Animal Diseases Act. The association argued that existing regulations left poultry producers with limited options to combat recurring outbreaks and forced farmers to destroy large numbers of birds, including healthy flocks, to comply with disease-control measures.
Steenhuisen said he had reviewed the recommendations of a Section 23 Investigation Committee and accepted its findings in support of a more balanced and sustainable approach.
“Our poultry farmers need direct support, and we are changing policy to give them a legal mechanism to protect their livelihoods,” Steenhuisen said.
He noted that the previous regulatory framework often required producers to destroy both infected and healthy birds during outbreaks, creating significant economic hardship and placing pressure on food prices.
“By changing this policy, we are giving producers the legal right to use verified scientific tools to protect their farms, protect agricultural jobs and secure affordable food for the public,” he said.
In response, SAPA describing the announcement as a major milestone for the industry and the result of sustained engagement with government to secure practical, science-based solutions to avian influenza management.
According to SAPA, vaccination has long been recognised internationally as an important component of disease-control programmes and should be used alongside biosecurity measures, surveillance, testing and responsible outbreak management.
SAPA said previous outbreaks had exposed the limitations of the existing approach, resulting in substantial financial losses, disruptions to poultry meat and egg production, and increased costs for consumers.
Izaak Breitenbach, CEO of SAPA's Broiler Organisation, said the introduction of vaccination would strengthen the industry's ability to manage disease risks while maintaining production.
“Vaccination is not a silver bullet, but it is an essential tool that has been successfully incorporated into avian influenza control programmes in many countries,” Breitenbach said.
“Combined with robust biosecurity and surveillance measures, it will significantly strengthen our ability to manage disease risks while maintaining production and food security.”
The Department of Agriculture said it would continue to oversee national surveillance systems, laboratory testing and regulatory compliance, while also ensuring that South Africa maintains international animal health standards required for export markets.
Maintaining market access remains a key priority for the poultry sector, which contributes significantly to South Africa's economy and supports thousands of jobs across farming, processing, logistics and retail value chains.
SAPA emphasised that the success of the vaccination programme would depend on clear regulations, scientifically validated vaccines, effective monitoring systems and ongoing cooperation between government and industry stakeholders.
The association also welcomed Steenhuisen's commitment to introduce interim control measures while the formal regulatory amendments are finalised.
“Timely implementation will be critical in providing certainty to producers and reducing the risk of future disease-related disruptions,” SAPA said.
Industry leaders believe the introduction of a practical vaccination framework will help protect poultry flocks, preserve jobs and improve the sector's resilience against future outbreaks.
BUSINESS REPORT