# The minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen has announced the country’s first-ever vaccination of poultry as a proactive measure to minimise the risk of avian flu outbreaks. A vaccination permit has been issued to Astral Foods, authorising the company to vaccinate about 200-thousand broiler birds. This represents approximately 5-percent of Astral’s total breeding stock, valued at an estimated 35-million-rand. Steenhuisen emphasised the 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, affecting both producers and consumers.
South Africa to embark on first-ever vaccination of poultry