Poultry farms in South Africa are battling an outbreak of avian flu, a viral infection that affects wild birds as well as domestic ones. Highly pathogenic avian flu has been plaguing South Africa since September, resulting in over seven million chickens having to be culled. The outbreak has caused a shortage of eggs and chicken in supermarkets. South Africa's Department of Agriculture has authorized the importation of eggs and poultry meat to ensure sufficient stocks and to gaurd against shortages. Avian flu is the latest tragedy to hit South Africa's agricultural sector which has been struggling with power blackouts and a drought in recent years.
