South Africa’s poultry industry will soon be able to vaccinate flocks against highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) after Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen announced plans to introduce a regulatory framework permitting the practice.

The decision marks a significant policy shift for the country, which has relied almost exclusively on widespread culling to control avian flu outbreaks. The South African Poultry Association (SAPA) said the move represents a milestone for the sector following years of advocacy for a science-based approach aligned with international best practice.

“Vaccination is not a silver bullet, but it is an essential tool that has been successfully incorporated into avian influenza control programmes in many countries,” said Izaak Breitenbach, chief executive of SAPA’s Broiler Organisation. “Combined with robust biosecurity and surveillance measures, it will significantly strengthen our ability to manage disease risks while maintaining production and food security.”

The current policy framework has resulted in severe economic losses, disruptions to egg and poultry meat supply, and increased costs for consumers, according to SAPA. The organisation has consistently argued that relying solely on culling is inadequate for managing the disease.

Under the new framework, vaccination will be incorporated alongside enhanced biosecurity, surveillance, testing and outbreak management protocols. Steenhuisen has committed to establishing interim measures whilst formal regulatory amendments are finalised.

SAPA said successful implementation will depend on clear regulations, effective monitoring systems, scientifically validated vaccines and ongoing collaboration between government and industry. The association plans to work closely with the Department of Agriculture, veterinary authorities and vaccine suppliers during the rollout phase.

South Africa’s poultry industry is a major contributor to food security and employment, supporting thousands of direct and indirect jobs. The sector has faced repeated HPAI outbreaks in recent years, with producers forced to cull infected flocks to prevent disease spread.

Many countries, including those in the European Union and United States, have integrated vaccination into their avian influenza control strategies whilst maintaining strict biosecurity standards. The approach allows producers to protect flocks whilst reducing the scale of culling required during outbreaks.

The new framework aims to protect livelihoods and ensure continued access to affordable poultry products for South African consumers. SAPA said timely implementation would be critical in providing certainty to producers and reducing the risk of future disease-related disruptions.

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