 RESUMPTION OF OSTRICH MEAT EXPORTS2 November 2006
"The peak season for consumption of ostrich meat in Europe has just started and
thus the South African ostrich industry is grateful that the ban on exports of
this healthy and sought-after red meat had been lifted as from 1 November", said
Anton Kruger, Chief Executive Officer of the South African Ostrich Business Chamber.
South Africa is the world leader in terms of the ostriches industry and produces
about 70% of all ostrich products world wide. More than 90% of the products are
being exported.
The decision by the EU is the result of the successful eradication of the active
outbreak of H5N2 in ostriches in the Southern Cape in July 2006. No further
isolations or identification of the virus could be made, and extensive surveillance
is continuing throughout the country. The only condition stipulated by the EU is
that all ostriches are tested for Avian Influenza 28 days before slaughter.
This breakthrough in negotiations with the EU is a result of continuous and
transparent communication between South African and EU officials.
The SAOBC expresses its appreciation and gratitude towards Western Cape Veterinary
Services and the national Department of Agriculture with its Directorate of Animal
Health. "We have seen in previous disease control projects that the
Private-Public-Partnership approach seems to be the most effective route", Kruger said.
Source: South African Ostrich Business Chamber 
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