Local poultry lobbyists have expressed concerns that bird flu may be transmitted via frozen chicken imports originating from the U.S.

With public safety and animal welfare remaining key concerns during the global bird flu crisis, ChickenFacts provides an analysis of bird flu virus transmission and the associated risks through poultry trade.

We also consulted sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) law expert Dr Biandri Joubert in reviewing South Africa’s poultry quota agreement with the United States to understand how these elements affect the overall risk landscape.

Read: A Closer Look at USA’s Self-Imposed Poultry Trade Restrictions with South Africa

 

Bird Flu Transmission Via Trade

Globally, there are no documented cases of HPAI being transmitted to local poultry flocks via imported frozen chicken meat.

Despite widespread outbreaks in countries like China, the United States, and parts of Europe, veterinary authorities have not traced any infections linked to the global trade of frozen poultry.

Notably, trade bans and regionalisation protocols are precautionary measures, not responses to proven transmission. South Africa’s own import protocols include automatic suspension of imports from HPAI-affected regions, as outlined by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD).

 

U.S. Biosecurity and Regionalisation Protocols

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) maintains strict biosecurity and surveillance systems.

Poultry exports are permitted only from regions free of HPAI. Currently, the U.S. does not vaccinate poultry against the virus, which supports unmasked virus detection and reporting.

South Africa’s trade agreement with the United States includes automatic suspension of imports from any U.S. state that experiences an HPAI outbreak, consistent with World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) guidelines.

Additionally, while WOAH guidelines allow for trade restrictions to be lifted after 28 days, the United States continues to uphold the established 90-day waiting period with South Africa.

 

Trade Policy and Public Safety

South Africa’s import protocols are based on internationally recognised standards and aim to balance biosecurity with food system resilience.

While it is appropriate to monitor and respond to outbreaks, there is currently no evidence to suggest that frozen poultry imports from the United States present a risk of HPAI transmission.

Notably, poultry exported by the U.S. is the same poultry consumed by U.S. consumers.

Sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) law expert, Dr. Biandri Joubert, spoke to ChickenFacts about the safety of the USA’s self-imposed trade restrictions: “I believe it’s a potentially positive step. It doesn’t compromise on food safety or animal health, as far as I’m aware. I think it comes down to the trust that the two governments are showing towards each other. If the USA has agreed to a stricter waiting period before resuming exports, that can be seen as a goodwill gesture towards South Africa.

“In the context of SPS measures, the waiting period after an outbreak is only one measure. Imports still require a permit, and additional checks and controls remain in place before poultry products can reach South African consumers.”

Joubert added that SPS measures are intended to protect human health, animal health, food safety, and the local chicken flock in South Africa. She indicated that the agreement and poultry trade restrictions should not reduce the safety of trading with America. According to Joubert, the documentation requirements associated with this type of agreement are more likely to ensure a high standard of trade practices.

Public confidence in food safety depends on clear, evidence-based communication. Misinformation around bird flu transmission can lead to unnecessary trade disruptions and divert attention from more pressing biosecurity challenges, such as live bird movement and farm-level hygiene practices.

As global markets navigate the challenges posed by avian influenza, adaptable policies are crucial for maintaining open trade channels and ensuring optimal food security for all South Africans.

It is vital that concerns about bird flu are not used to justify protectionist measures that prioritise capital interests over much-needed access to safe and affordable protein.

 

 Fact Sheet: Bird Flu and Frozen Poultry Imports

 

Read: From Dock to Dish: How Safe is Imported Chicken?