06 Sep 2021

A resident of Bokaa whose chickens were suspected to have avian influenza is reeling from shock after being told he would not be compensated.

Speaking in an interview, Mr Phomolo Pheage said he had been left empty handed after he lost about 50 chickens. 

“These were not ordinary chickens but good breeds such as the buff and Orpington,” he said with a sad face as he now faces an economic uncertainty.

He said he first saw his chickens dying mysteriously, but noted that the colours of combs and wattles turned black. 

Every morning he discovered four to five dead chickens and they eventually dumped 17 at the Pilane landfill.

“I then took some to the Veterinary Department where after they conducted tests, they told me that they suspected bird flu,” he said. Mr Pheage said it was the first time he witnessed such a terrible disease.

“Other than the discoloration of the wattles it was difficult to tell if the birds were sick. And it kills quickly. A hen gets sick today and tomorrow it’s dead,” he said. He explained that the veterinary officers destroyed the remaining chickens including day old ones, without any form of compensation.

“Not a single hen or cock is left. Those breeds are expensive and I do not know how or when I will be able to restock because I have been told movement of chickens has been suspended,” he said.

He said the veterinary officials supplied him with disinfectants and said they were still conducting tests. His neighbour’s chickens however have been spared and Mr Pheage believes the birds that usually feed with his chickens were the main culprits. 

One of his neighbours, Ms Obeilwe Medupe wondered how her poultry was spared since she shared the fence with Mr Pheage.

She said was still waiting for the veterinary officials who had visited her and promised to provide her with disinfectants. 

Ms Medupe said she started her farm three months ago and hoped to increase the numbers so she could eventually have a reliable source of income.

“The suspected avian influenza has indeed disturbed me. I had a target I was aiming for but now with the bird flu, my dreams are shattered,” she said. 

She said her plan was to eventually supply restaurants with free range  chickens. The veterinary officials are yet to confirm the cases but poultry farmers in the village have been advised to remain vigilant and report any cases of deaths. Ends