The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

The Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, is pleased to announce that, in the coming days, South Africa will embark on its first-ever vaccination of poultry as a proactive measure to minimise the risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks.

This follows the Department of Agriculture’s issuance of a vaccination permit to Astral Foods Limited on 30 June 2025, authorising the company to begin vaccinating against the HPAI virus at one of its broiler breeder farms.

The vaccination campaign will begin with 200 000 broiler breeders, representing approximately 5% of Astral’s total breeding stock, valued at an estimated R35 million.

Minister Steenhuisen welcomed this milestone as a testament to the strong partnership between government and the poultry industry in safeguarding national food security and protecting the livelihoods of thousands of South Africans. He emphasised that this vaccination campaign is a vital step to strengthen flock immunity and prevent the devastating economic losses witnessed during previous outbreaks. The 2023 outbreak resulted in millions of birds being culled, which led to severe supply disruptions that affected both producers and consumers.

The vaccine being used—targeting the H5 strain of the virus—is already approved for use in other countries implementing vaccination strategies against HPAI.

Issued by Department of Agriculture