20.07.2015

Two cases of avian influenza have been confirmed among ostriches in the Hessequa and Kannaland regions in the Southern Cape and Little Karoo.
The cases were discovered during routine tests which also confirmed the virus in the Eastern Cape.
Authorities say the recent outbreak does not pose a threat to the export of ostrich meat to other countries. The low-pathogenic virus was discovered in Hessequa and Kannaland in May.
In the same month, authorities picked up on the high-pathogenic virus near Jansenville and Graff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape. 
The outbreak of H5N2 avian influenza strain has affected at least 240 out of a 1000 ostriches in the Western Cape. 
Meanwhile, the Europe Union lifted the ban on the export of ostrich meat earlier this month.