South Africa’s Poultry Industry Faces Winter Threat from Delayed Avian Influenza Vaccine
Farmers Magazine | 07.04.2026 17:37South Africa’s poultry industry is facing a critical period as delays in the rollout of avian influenza vaccines threaten farm biosecurity this winter. Poultry producers and industry leaders are raising concerns that without urgent intervention, the country could repeat the catastrophic losses experienced in 2023, when the outbreak caused approximately R10 billion in damages. The virus has a high transmission rate, and winter conditions create an environment that supports faster spread among birds. Farms that are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated are particularly vulnerable, placing both commercial and small-scale producers at risk. The industry is calling for faster, more practical implementation of vaccination programs to mitigate these threats before the peak infection season.
