Question NW3721 to the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
24 November 2023 - NW3721
Breedt, Ms T to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
(a) What progress has been made with the development and/or acceptance of an effective avian flu vaccine, (b) how will the private sector be involved in the (i) development and (ii) roll-out of such a vaccine and (c) what are the projected time frames; (2) whether she will make a statement on the matter?
Reply:
(1)(a) The Department has received applications from two companies to consider registering avian influenza vaccines. To date three vaccines have been registered.
(b)(i) The development and distribution of vaccines is by the private pharmaceutical companies.
(ii) The poultry industry has been consulted on the use of the vaccines and is continuously being engaged on the use and monitoring of the vaccines in the roll out process.
(c) Currently the Department is still engaging with the poultry industry regarding the vaccination protocol. We anticipate that the consultation will be completed very soon; thereafter the vaccination will commence.
(2) No.