South Africa culls 60 ostriches to contain bird flu

A Western Cape farm has been placed under quarantine and all 60 of its ostriches culled in a bid to contain a South African outbreak of avian influenza, the country's department of agriculture said today.

Tests confirmed the presence of the H5N2 strain of bird flu, regarded as less dangerous than the H5N1 variety that has ravaged chicken farms across Asia and crossed over to humans in 2004.

Authorities acted quickly to contain the outbreak, which was believed confined to the farm near the south-western coastal town of Mossel Bay, the department said in a statement.

“It is hoped that, with the support of all role-players, the outbreak can be curtailed rapidly and that South Africa’s export status for ostriches and poultry will not be affected,” the department said.

“Negotiations with our trade partners have started.”