On October 12, 2023, following a veterinary risk assessment by the Environment and Natural Resources Planning (ENRP) department regarding outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in South Africa, the St Helena Government (SHG) implemented a prohibition on the importation of all poultry and poultry products from South Africa. This measure aimed to prevent the introduction of HPAI into St Helena.
Since September 2023, South Africa has enacted biosecurity measures to limit the spread of existing and new outbreaks of HPAI. The country monitors these efforts monthly by sampling poultry flocks for HPAI, allowing it to establish Notifiable Avian Influenza (NAI) Free Compartments for exporting live birds, poultry meat, and eggs.
Based on reports from the World Animal Health Information System (WAHIS), no new or ongoing HPAI cases have been detected in St Helena’s poultry since early January 2024. Considering the expected low HPAI activity over the next four to five months, ENRP’s risk assessment concluded that the risk of introducing HPAI through imports is currently extremely low.
The Executive Council recently reviewed this veterinary risk assessment and agreed to lift the current prohibition on importing poultry and poultry products from South Africa. This decision took effect on May 23, 2024.
ENRP will continue monitoring the situation as future rises in HPAI cases may necessitate reinstating import prohibitions. Avian Influenza remains a global challenge with recent outbreaks reported even in Antarctica.
The public and island merchants are thanked for their cooperation during the prohibition period.
For further information, contact Portfolio Director Darren Duncan via email at darren.duncan@sainthelena.gov.sh or visit https://www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovtTweets by StHelenaGovt
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