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Article: Avian flu batters ostrich industry: thousands of South African ostriches have been destroyed in the wake of an avian flu outbreak. A one billion rand industry has ground to a halt as all exports of ostrich meat have been suspended. Tom Nevin explains the economic consequences.(South Africa)(related article: Avian flu--what it is)
- Article from:
- African Business
- Article date:
- October 1, 2004
- Author:
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The economy of the Eastern Cape, South Africa's poorest province, will take a R500m hit if an avian flu initiated ban on exports of ostrich products extends to the end of the year. More greatly at stake is a R1bn-plus ostrich industry centred in the arid inland regions of the economically struggling province.
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Desperate to protect their international reputation, ostrich farmers have put up barriers to the contagious disease, and imposed strict quarantine and other dire measures aimed at stemming the epidemic. The local ostrich industry is worth about R1.26bn a year. Leather accounts for 65% of the value and meat about 30%, some 97% ...