Why bird flu vaccination has stalled in South Africa
The reason no progress is being made is because a task team appointed by agriculture minister John Steenhuisen last June has not yet been given its terms of reference, nor has its composition been finalised, the report says. The task team’s job is to resolve differences between the department of agriculture and the poultry industry over the rules governing the “mass vaccination campaign” that minister Steenhuisen has promised. The department continues to insist on requirements that the poultry industry says are too complex and too costly to implement. Poultry producers have pleaded for a more practical and affordable set of rules so that they can get vaccinations underway, but so far to no avail. SAPA’s avian influenza report for the fourth quarter of last year noted that a few broiler breeder farms had been approved for vaccination against highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI or bird flu), using the existing protocols. “Despite promises that South Africa is going to vaccinate against HPAI, no other companies have been approved to vaccinate,” it said. “An avian influenza task team, comprising scientists and veterinarians from the Agricultural Research Council, the Department of Agriculture and the Faculty of Veterinary Science of the University of Pretoria, was appointed by the Minister of Agriculture in June this year. “The task team has been unable to make progress with its task as at the date of writing no formal terms of reference have been received, nor has the exact composition of the team been finalised. “No discussions have been held between the Director of Animal Health and the SAPA task team in the past eight months. “Progress on HPAI vaccination in South Africa is at a standstill,” the report said. The stalled bird flu vaccination programme is in sharp contrast to the rapid rollout of a vaccination campaign against foot and mouth disease for South Africa’s cattle farmers. Both are controlled diseases, requiring vaccinations to be managed by the government. The government aims to combat the foot and mouth crisis by vaccinating all of South Africa’s 14 million cattle. Engineering News reported this week that foot and mouth vaccination was “in full swing” in disease epicentres across the country, using a million doses of imported vaccines. Minister Steenhuisen, in an article in News24, said “A system that manages risk, rather than reacting to outbreaks, will protect livelihoods, stabilise investment and keep value chains functioning even while foot and mouth disease is being controlled”. Poultry producers would heartily agree – they want to manage risk in their industry through a similar mass vaccination programme. Bird flu is spreading around the world, and could easily become South Africa’s next agricultural and food security crisis. But, seven months after Minister Steenhuisen’s bird flu task team was supposed to start work, it still has no terms of reference or confirmed membership. Source: Adapted from the FairPlay Bulletin, Volume 26, Edition 06 (5 March 2026), FairPlay Movement. . FacebookTwitterLinkedInWhatsAppEmailPrint
ITAC Decision on Copper Sulphate Rebate Application
The International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) has formally declined to grant a rebate provision for copper sulphate used in the manufacture of animal feed. This follows ITAC’s self-initiated investigation into the feasibility of creating a duty rebate mechanism in response to concerns about the unintended impacts of the increased import duty from 0% to 10% ad valorem on the animal feed sector. The investigation was initiated at the request of the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition to assess whether such a rebate would be justified given the animal feed industry’s reliance on copper sulphate as an input. . FacebookTwitterLinkedInWhatsAppEmailPrint
Strengthening South Africa’s FMD Response: What the New Industry Coordination Council Means
The containment and control of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) remain one of the most critical challenges facing South Africa’s livestock and animal feed sectors. In a significant step towards a more coordinated and effective response, the Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, has announced the establishment of an FMD Industry Coordination Council to support the implementation of the national FMD control strategy. This development marks a shift towards deeper, structured collaboration between government, technical experts and industry. AFMA welcomes the Minister’s commitment to close collaboration with industry and recognises the establishment of the Industry Coordination Council as a constructive step towards restoring South Africa’s FMD-free status. FacebookLinkedInWhatsAppEmailPrint
Long-awaited Act 36 Farm Feed Regulation amendment have been published for public comment.
2026 Kicks off with a bang and after many years of anticipation, the Farm Feeds Regulation amendment was gazetted on 16 January 2026 for public comment – marking the first substantive update to the feed regulatory framework since September 2010. Over the past decade and a half, the animal feed industry has evolved significantly. During this time, AFMA has consistently engaged with the Registrar’s office, providing technical input, practical recommendations, and industry experience to support the modernisation of the regulations. The publication of these amendments represents an important milestone for the animal feed sector and opens a formal public comment period, allowing all interested stakeholders the opportunity to review the proposed changes and submit comments. AFMA welcomes this step forward and encourages all parties involved in the animal feed value chain to familiarise themselves with the proposed regulatory changes and prepare for implementation. Further information will be shared as the review progresses and the impact on the industry is defined. FacebookLinkedInWhatsAppEmailPrint
AFMA Explores Role in Food Loss and Waste Initiative
AFMA has been invited to participate in the South African Food Loss and Waste Initiative’s new Animal Feed Working Group, aimed at developing science-based, regulation-aligned guidelines for using surplus food in animal feed. The first meeting is scheduled for July 2025. As AFMA considers its role, the organisation is exploring the formation of an internal team of technical experts to provide input on risk assessment, compliance, and safe-use protocols. While challenges like food waste quality and traceability remain, the initiative offers an opportunity to help shape practical solutions for the feed sector. FacebookTwitterLinkedInWhatsAppEmailPrint
Welcome to Our New Technical Intern
AFMA is pleased to welcome Cilé-Mari Schultz, who joined in June 2025 as a technical intern. She is pursuing her master’s degree in Ruminant Nutrition at the University of Pretoria and was awarded the 2024 SASAS Northern Branch Prize for the top undergraduate student in Animal Science. Passionate about dairy cows, and even rumen microbes, Cilé-Mari is also an avid weightlifter and runner. She brings enthusiasm, curiosity, and a strong work ethic to AFMA’s technical and regulatory projects. FacebookTwitterLinkedInWhatsAppEmailPrint
Save the Date: AFMA Forum 2026
The AFMA Forum 2026 will take place at Sun City from 8–10 September 2026. This flagship event brings together leaders, experts, and stakeholders for discussions, networking, and forward-looking insights into the animal feed industry. FacebookTwitterLinkedInWhatsAppEmailPrint
Feed Mill Operator (FMO) Blended Learning Program
AFMA’s Blended Learning Program combines e-learning modules with practical workplace training for feed mill operators. Recently, AFMA celebrated a milestone: the first learner from the United Arab Emirates, representing Grand Mills, successfully completed the program. This highlights the growing international relevance of AFMA’s training offerings. To keep the program current, AFMA is working with Learning Pathways to develop new modules and improve existing content, ensuring operators gain skills that meet evolving industry needs. FacebookTwitterLinkedInWhatsAppEmailPrint
AFMA Student Outreach
On 24 April 2025, AFMA and Meadow Feeds hosted a Student Outreach event at Meadow Feeds’ Pietermaritzburg facility. The event welcomed 65 third-, fourth-year, and postgraduate Animal Science students from the University of Zululand. Students explored the full scope of the feed industry, from formulation and manufacturing to regulations and career opportunities in logistics, production, and quality assurance. The event bridged the gap between classroom learning and industry practice, inspiring the next generation of feed professionals. FacebookTwitterLinkedInWhatsAppEmailPrint
Soybean Oilcake Futures Contracts on SAFEX
Progress continues on listing soybean oilcake futures contracts on SAFEX. Crushers have committed a total storage capacity of 22,500 tons, exceeding the 20,000-ton requirement set by the JSE. A draft of the detailed contract specifications is with the JSE legal team, while a technical subcommittee is being formed to review the specifications and ensure all industry stakeholders are aligned. This will pave the way for a smooth launch of the new contracts. FacebookTwitterLinkedInWhatsAppEmailPrint