"JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - The European Union has resumed imports of ostrich meat from South Africa after the country eradicated a bird flu outbreak in its Western Cape province, officials said on Wednesday." Reuters.com
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Zimbabwe ostriches hit by suspected Avian bird flu
BULAWAYO – Two ostriches at a farm in Hwange, Matabeleland North, have reportedly contracted a suspected strain of the dangerous bird flu virus in the country's second such case in recent weeks.
Friday, October 06, 2006
Zimbabwe: Partnerships - Essential Vehicle for Development
"Already, there has been a significant inflow of new foreign investors such as Royal Ostrindo, an Indonesian firm involved in the breeding of ostriches and the export of leather and ostrich meat."
llAfrica.com: Zimbabwe: Partnerships - Essential Vehicle for Development
llAfrica.com: Zimbabwe: Partnerships - Essential Vehicle for Development
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Iran, worlds third largest ostrich breeder ?
"Iran is third only to South Africa and China in the world for ostrich breeding. Keyvan Niamanesh, the managing director of the largest ostrich farm told MNA on Wednesday that some 120,000 to 150,000 ostriches are annually raised in Iran. He also explained that 4,000 tons of ostrich white meat is annually produced in Iran that can increase the protein per capita of Iranians."
Iran, worlds third largest ostrich breeder
Iran, worlds third largest ostrich breeder
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Botswana ostrich farming
"Botswna has also stepped up efforts to improve poultry production mainly chicken and ostrich farming where it is rated as one of the bigest ostrich farming nations in the world.
A visiting expert from Kenya's Eastern and Southern Leather Industries Association, Dr Samuel Kiruthu, has said that lack of skills in Botswana to utilise abundant hides and skins - which if commercialised - can bring more income to farmers.
Dr Kiruthu said to prosper in the industry, Batswana should establish their own tanneries to produce quality products for domestic use, production of finished products rather than exporting them as raw materials."
Botswana moves to diversify economy, brought to you by African News Dimension
A visiting expert from Kenya's Eastern and Southern Leather Industries Association, Dr Samuel Kiruthu, has said that lack of skills in Botswana to utilise abundant hides and skins - which if commercialised - can bring more income to farmers.
Dr Kiruthu said to prosper in the industry, Batswana should establish their own tanneries to produce quality products for domestic use, production of finished products rather than exporting them as raw materials."
Botswana moves to diversify economy, brought to you by African News Dimension
Monday, September 11, 2006
ZIMBABWE: Rethinking fast-track land reform
"Since the 2000 land invasions began, Zimbabwe's economy has gone into freefall. Foreign companies will get their farms back, but the country's white farmers will be left in the cold. The first beneficiary of the initiative will be an Indonesian company breeding ostriches in Matabeleland North Province, according to the head of an Indonesian delegation touring the country, but Indonesia's minister for the empowerment of women, Prof Meuria Swasono, said the company would have certain obligations. The ostrich and leather exporting concern will meet the costs of moving the settlers to their new homes, and be responsible for building new accommodation and sinking boreholes."
IRIN Africa Southern Africa ZIMBABWE ZIMBABWE: Rethinking fast-track land reform Peace Security Breaking News
IRIN Africa Southern Africa ZIMBABWE ZIMBABWE: Rethinking fast-track land reform Peace Security Breaking News
Friday, September 01, 2006
News from Azerbaijan and South Caucasus
The founder of “Ostrich” Ali Bayramov stressed that their organization is the first one in South Caucasus that is involved in breeding ostriches. It should be mentioned that the first time, this organization that has been functioning for two years started to breeding 180 ostriches brought from South African Republic in Azerbaijan. Providing available and safe products is the main activity principle of the farmer economy “Ostrich” that is engaged in breeding ostriches and producing various types of meat products from them in Azerbaijan.
�Trend� news agency: News from Azerbaijan and South Caucasus:
�Trend� news agency: News from Azerbaijan and South Caucasus:
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Bird flu: Culling 'can continue'
PRETORIA Bird flu: Culling 'can continue'
"Sat, 26 Aug 2006 The Pretoria High Court has granted the Gauteng Department of Agriculture an interdict to continue culling illegally imported waterfowl, an official said on Friday.
The culling follows investigations into the illegal importation of eggs from the Netherlands.
A probe was being carried out on a farm in Gauteng and one in North West. Both farms had been placed under quarantine.
Prior to the interdict, 573 birds had already been culled.
"South Africa is determined to maintain its avian influenza-free status and does not allow the importation of any live birds, poultry or poultry products from any country that has not been free for at least the past three months," said Galane.
Galane said people should be assured that chicken and ostrich products on supermarket shelves in South Africa remained safe for human consumption."
iafrica.com news sa news Bird flu: Culling 'can continue'
"Sat, 26 Aug 2006 The Pretoria High Court has granted the Gauteng Department of Agriculture an interdict to continue culling illegally imported waterfowl, an official said on Friday.
The culling follows investigations into the illegal importation of eggs from the Netherlands.
A probe was being carried out on a farm in Gauteng and one in North West. Both farms had been placed under quarantine.
Prior to the interdict, 573 birds had already been culled.
"South Africa is determined to maintain its avian influenza-free status and does not allow the importation of any live birds, poultry or poultry products from any country that has not been free for at least the past three months," said Galane.
Galane said people should be assured that chicken and ostrich products on supermarket shelves in South Africa remained safe for human consumption."
iafrica.com news sa news Bird flu: Culling 'can continue'
Friday, July 28, 2006
Flu Outbreak Under Control
The Department of Agriculture says it has culled 8 000 ostriches in the Riversdale district, Western Cape, in an attempt to bring the outbreak of avian flu under control.
According to the department, follow-up investigations have shown no further signs of the disease.
allAfrica.com: South Africa: Mossel Bay Avian Flu Outbreak Under Control
According to the department, follow-up investigations have shown no further signs of the disease.
allAfrica.com: South Africa: Mossel Bay Avian Flu Outbreak Under Control
Monday, July 24, 2006
The Herald Online **News**
MORE than 3 000 ostriches are being culled on the Garden Route – and more could follow – after a strain of bird flu which was earlier detected in the area was found to have infected birds on another farm near Mossel Bay.
The Herald Online **News**
The Herald Online **News**
Friday, July 21, 2006
Daily News - EU bans SA ostrich imports
The H5N2 strain of the disease was recently detected in these areas. South Africa's Agriculture department said on Monday an ostrich farm near Mossel Bay was placed under quarantine after the precautionary culling of 60 ostriches suspected of having avian flu.
Daily News - EU bans SA ostrich imports
Daily News - EU bans SA ostrich imports
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
To what extent has the Ostrich Industries export product focus changed ?
Introduction
The Ostrich:
The ostrich is the largest species of bird. It is flightless but can run in
excess of 65 km/hr. They can grow to be a height of 2.4 metres and weigh up
to 130 kg. Male ostriches are black, with white wings and tails. The female
is a dull greyish-brown. The females lay their yellowish-white eggs together
in a single large hole in the sand. The eggs weigh about 1.4 kg each and
have a volume of about 1.4 liters. They spread their small wings when
running and have long, powerful legs that are used for defence. The feet of
the ostrich have only two toes. The ostrich originated in the middle east
but is all but extinct in this region. The majority of the worlds population
can be found in Southern Africa with other populations springing up in
places like Australia, Namibia, Zambia and America for farming practices.
Start of The Ostrich industry in S.A
Commercial ostrich farming started in SA in 1864. The main area were the
farming began was in the Klein Karoo area, centred around Outshoorn. The
climatic conditions of this area are well suited for large scale commercial
ostrich farming. The dry and warm summers and sunny winter days made it the
ideal breeding ground and habitat for ostriches. The dry climate also helps
prevent the transmission of diseases. An increasing demand through out the
world for ostrich plumes reached its peak in 1913. This was a result of the
ostrich feather being prized as a status and fashion symbol. The feathers
were used mainly in women's fashion and was very in 'vogue' at the time. The
demand was so great that the number of ostriches skyrocketed from roughly
50000 birds at the turn of the century to roughly 700000 birds at the height
of the feather craze. By 1913 ostrich feathers were the fourth largest
export earner from after gold, diamonds and wool. An example of the huge
trade in feathers was the enormous feather market hall in Port Elizabeth
were furious trading of the feathers took place. The export demand for
ostrich leather or meat was almost non-existent at the time. The feather
export was by far the dominant product focus of the industry at the time.
The Decline in demand for feathers
The economic instability running up to WWI started a decline in the demand
for ostrich feathers. A fashion change also took place from the extravagance
of the early part of the century to the more practical fashion senses of the
war time and post war times. This decline turned into a major crash as the
war broke out all across Europe, the main importer along with the U.S.A of
ostrich feathers. The war resulted in many of the markets being cut off from
trade and subsequently the industry back in S.A took a huge hit. The advent
of the war coupled with a sever drought that struck S.A at the time all but
put an end to the industry. Most of the feathers now were being used for
industrial use, feather dusters and alike. The great depression that
followed the war further hit the industry. The whole industry was on the
back-burner for the next 50 or so years, eg. in 1970 only 27000 birds were
slaughtered.
The take-off of Leather products
At the beginning of the 70's the industry was dead. production was on a
small scale and there was no substantial demand for any ostrich products. A
fashion change in America, ostrich leather boots, belts etc sparked off a
expansion of the industry again, this time focusing on leather. This
stimulated the industry and all around ostrich farms started springing up to
deal with the demand. An example of the massive surge in production is was
the Klein Karoo Ostrich company that by 1982 was keeping 120000 ostriches
and was exporting 50000 hides a year to the U.S. At the time, when S.A had a
legal monopoly on the industry, a hide was worth around $500 so it was a
very lucrative business to be involved in. The upward trend continued and
the leather industry continued to expand. By 1993 Klein Karoo was keeping
150000 birds and obtaining most of its export profits from raw hides.
The take-off of Meat products
The take of f of meat products started around the mid 1980's. This was a
result of the industry marketing the meat as a healthier alternative to
beef. It is high in protein and low in fat. The Mad Cow Disease epidemic
also turned many people away from beef and opened up the market to
alternatives such as ostrich meat. The industry has expanded from one
abattoir in 1964 to ten export approved abattoirs today. These abattoirs are
internationally certified and the meat produced there is safe for export.
The meat is then exported to Europe and the East. The whole modern shift
towards healthy eating and a healthy life style have all aided the meat
industry. The Heart foundation has approved ostrich meat as a much healthier
alternative to beef products and actively encourages the consumption of
ostrich instead of beef. As world tastes change and the continuous search
for new and exciting foods continues the future of ostrich meat looks good
as the meat reaches a wider and wider market.
The shift from Feathers to Leather and Meat
After the feather industries collapse after the advent of WWI, the ostrich
industry was in a steady decline. An example of this was the drastic drop
from 770000 birds at the height of the feather craze to just 23000 in 1930.
The industry started changing its focus. In 1964 the first abattoir was
opened and in 1970 the first tannery was established. Since this time the
respective industries have grown considerably and far outweighed the
contribution of feathers to the total export value of the whole industry. As
a result of the emergence of the meat and leather industries the total
number of birds in South Africa has risen to roughly 300000. Currently South
Africa exports roughly R1.2 Billion of ostrich products, 90% of this is from
meat and leather products. It is clear from this evidence that the leather
and meat side of the ostrich industry is in the dominance. The shift from
feather products to meat and leather products is very evident.
Conclusion
The ostrich industry has been through many ups and down over the last 100
years. From the dramatic feather boom of the early 1900's which saw a
massive increase in production in S.A to the devastating effects of the
subsequent crash. The industry went through a very quite patch between 1930
and 1970. From the 70's onward a new trend emerged. This trend was a an
increase in demand for ostrich leather products. This demand sparked off the
second ostrich boom, this boom has continued into the present day and is set
to grow steadily. The meat industry also started to pick up from the 70's
onward and started to have an impact on the export earnings of the industry.
It grew and is now on a par with the leather industry in its export
earnings.
From the evidence presented in the previous pages it is clear that the
industry has drastically shifted its focus from solely feather in the early
1900's to predominantly meat and leather products in the present day. From
earning nearly 100% of its export revenue from feathers to now only earning
around 10% is a obvious indication of the shift that has taken place. The
shift of focus from feather to leather and meat products is clear.
With the process of globalization taking place and the opening up of new
markets such as China and the Middle-East for meat and leather exports the
future of the ostrich industry looks bright.
The Ostrich:
The ostrich is the largest species of bird. It is flightless but can run in
excess of 65 km/hr. They can grow to be a height of 2.4 metres and weigh up
to 130 kg. Male ostriches are black, with white wings and tails. The female
is a dull greyish-brown. The females lay their yellowish-white eggs together
in a single large hole in the sand. The eggs weigh about 1.4 kg each and
have a volume of about 1.4 liters. They spread their small wings when
running and have long, powerful legs that are used for defence. The feet of
the ostrich have only two toes. The ostrich originated in the middle east
but is all but extinct in this region. The majority of the worlds population
can be found in Southern Africa with other populations springing up in
places like Australia, Namibia, Zambia and America for farming practices.
Start of The Ostrich industry in S.A
Commercial ostrich farming started in SA in 1864. The main area were the
farming began was in the Klein Karoo area, centred around Outshoorn. The
climatic conditions of this area are well suited for large scale commercial
ostrich farming. The dry and warm summers and sunny winter days made it the
ideal breeding ground and habitat for ostriches. The dry climate also helps
prevent the transmission of diseases. An increasing demand through out the
world for ostrich plumes reached its peak in 1913. This was a result of the
ostrich feather being prized as a status and fashion symbol. The feathers
were used mainly in women's fashion and was very in 'vogue' at the time. The
demand was so great that the number of ostriches skyrocketed from roughly
50000 birds at the turn of the century to roughly 700000 birds at the height
of the feather craze. By 1913 ostrich feathers were the fourth largest
export earner from after gold, diamonds and wool. An example of the huge
trade in feathers was the enormous feather market hall in Port Elizabeth
were furious trading of the feathers took place. The export demand for
ostrich leather or meat was almost non-existent at the time. The feather
export was by far the dominant product focus of the industry at the time.
The Decline in demand for feathers
The economic instability running up to WWI started a decline in the demand
for ostrich feathers. A fashion change also took place from the extravagance
of the early part of the century to the more practical fashion senses of the
war time and post war times. This decline turned into a major crash as the
war broke out all across Europe, the main importer along with the U.S.A of
ostrich feathers. The war resulted in many of the markets being cut off from
trade and subsequently the industry back in S.A took a huge hit. The advent
of the war coupled with a sever drought that struck S.A at the time all but
put an end to the industry. Most of the feathers now were being used for
industrial use, feather dusters and alike. The great depression that
followed the war further hit the industry. The whole industry was on the
back-burner for the next 50 or so years, eg. in 1970 only 27000 birds were
slaughtered.
The take-off of Leather products
At the beginning of the 70's the industry was dead. production was on a
small scale and there was no substantial demand for any ostrich products. A
fashion change in America, ostrich leather boots, belts etc sparked off a
expansion of the industry again, this time focusing on leather. This
stimulated the industry and all around ostrich farms started springing up to
deal with the demand. An example of the massive surge in production is was
the Klein Karoo Ostrich company that by 1982 was keeping 120000 ostriches
and was exporting 50000 hides a year to the U.S. At the time, when S.A had a
legal monopoly on the industry, a hide was worth around $500 so it was a
very lucrative business to be involved in. The upward trend continued and
the leather industry continued to expand. By 1993 Klein Karoo was keeping
150000 birds and obtaining most of its export profits from raw hides.
The take-off of Meat products
The take of f of meat products started around the mid 1980's. This was a
result of the industry marketing the meat as a healthier alternative to
beef. It is high in protein and low in fat. The Mad Cow Disease epidemic
also turned many people away from beef and opened up the market to
alternatives such as ostrich meat. The industry has expanded from one
abattoir in 1964 to ten export approved abattoirs today. These abattoirs are
internationally certified and the meat produced there is safe for export.
The meat is then exported to Europe and the East. The whole modern shift
towards healthy eating and a healthy life style have all aided the meat
industry. The Heart foundation has approved ostrich meat as a much healthier
alternative to beef products and actively encourages the consumption of
ostrich instead of beef. As world tastes change and the continuous search
for new and exciting foods continues the future of ostrich meat looks good
as the meat reaches a wider and wider market.
The shift from Feathers to Leather and Meat
After the feather industries collapse after the advent of WWI, the ostrich
industry was in a steady decline. An example of this was the drastic drop
from 770000 birds at the height of the feather craze to just 23000 in 1930.
The industry started changing its focus. In 1964 the first abattoir was
opened and in 1970 the first tannery was established. Since this time the
respective industries have grown considerably and far outweighed the
contribution of feathers to the total export value of the whole industry. As
a result of the emergence of the meat and leather industries the total
number of birds in South Africa has risen to roughly 300000. Currently South
Africa exports roughly R1.2 Billion of ostrich products, 90% of this is from
meat and leather products. It is clear from this evidence that the leather
and meat side of the ostrich industry is in the dominance. The shift from
feather products to meat and leather products is very evident.
Conclusion
The ostrich industry has been through many ups and down over the last 100
years. From the dramatic feather boom of the early 1900's which saw a
massive increase in production in S.A to the devastating effects of the
subsequent crash. The industry went through a very quite patch between 1930
and 1970. From the 70's onward a new trend emerged. This trend was a an
increase in demand for ostrich leather products. This demand sparked off the
second ostrich boom, this boom has continued into the present day and is set
to grow steadily. The meat industry also started to pick up from the 70's
onward and started to have an impact on the export earnings of the industry.
It grew and is now on a par with the leather industry in its export
earnings.
From the evidence presented in the previous pages it is clear that the
industry has drastically shifted its focus from solely feather in the early
1900's to predominantly meat and leather products in the present day. From
earning nearly 100% of its export revenue from feathers to now only earning
around 10% is a obvious indication of the shift that has taken place. The
shift of focus from feather to leather and meat products is clear.
With the process of globalization taking place and the opening up of new
markets such as China and the Middle-East for meat and leather exports the
future of the ostrich industry looks bright.
Written by Luke Mann
(Gr12 student at Kingswood College)
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
allAfrica.com: Namibia [analysis]: What Went Wrong in Ostrich Land?
"Contacted for comment, Mr Pieter de Lange, a director of Hardap Ostriches indicated that the company expects to slaughter 7500 ostriches by the end of March. He noted that some of the problems in the industry are due to the re-appearance of South African ostriches in the market, and the higher exchange rate.
The number of ostriches slaughtered at Karas Abattoir and Tannery Processor (KAT), which previously went under the name Ostrich Production Namibia (OPN), is about 800 birds per week, according to the MD, Mr Frikkie Mouton. But KAT's business focus has since changed to concentrate on small stock slaughtering and the tannery."allAfrica.com: Namibia [analysis]: What Went Wrong in Ostrich Land?:
The number of ostriches slaughtered at Karas Abattoir and Tannery Processor (KAT), which previously went under the name Ostrich Production Namibia (OPN), is about 800 birds per week, according to the MD, Mr Frikkie Mouton. But KAT's business focus has since changed to concentrate on small stock slaughtering and the tannery."allAfrica.com: Namibia [analysis]: What Went Wrong in Ostrich Land?:
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Ostrich breeding in Iran
This two-toed flightless bird is going to be the basis of a new industry at Qeshm Island soon.
?By developing this ostrich industrial complex, all the products will be distributed in the country and abroad,? executive director of the complex told the Persian service of IRNA on Thursday.
Ozra Abbasszadeh also stated that food and packaging industry in this sector will be offered in accordance with international standards and related meat products such as sausage and kielbasa would be the mainstay. Moreover, fabrication of all kinds of leather bags, shoes and clothing as well as using the obtained fat for cosmetic cremes and various kinds of burn ointments may comprise another sector of this business.
?Research phases in scientific breeding have also been given a unique consideration in this endeavor and based on the recent findings ostrich is among the birds that all its parts have applications in medical sciences and industry,? she added.
The swift-footed bird meat contains Omega-3 ?factor? which holds anti-cancer elements, and it also has low cholesterol due to its electrostatic properties. Furthermore, the skin is considered as valuable as those of snake and crocodile and the leather made out of that is stronger and more flexible than cattle type. Each animal could produce 30-50 kilograms of meat per year which has a good market in Persian Gulf littoral states."Iran News - Ostrich breeding, promising industry at Qeshm: "Ostrich breeding, promising industry at Qeshm
Saturday, March 18, 2006 - ©2005 IranMania.com
?By developing this ostrich industrial complex, all the products will be distributed in the country and abroad,? executive director of the complex told the Persian service of IRNA on Thursday.
Ozra Abbasszadeh also stated that food and packaging industry in this sector will be offered in accordance with international standards and related meat products such as sausage and kielbasa would be the mainstay. Moreover, fabrication of all kinds of leather bags, shoes and clothing as well as using the obtained fat for cosmetic cremes and various kinds of burn ointments may comprise another sector of this business.
?Research phases in scientific breeding have also been given a unique consideration in this endeavor and based on the recent findings ostrich is among the birds that all its parts have applications in medical sciences and industry,? she added.
The swift-footed bird meat contains Omega-3 ?factor? which holds anti-cancer elements, and it also has low cholesterol due to its electrostatic properties. Furthermore, the skin is considered as valuable as those of snake and crocodile and the leather made out of that is stronger and more flexible than cattle type. Each animal could produce 30-50 kilograms of meat per year which has a good market in Persian Gulf littoral states."Iran News - Ostrich breeding, promising industry at Qeshm: "Ostrich breeding, promising industry at Qeshm
Saturday, March 18, 2006 - ©2005 IranMania.com
Friday, March 10, 2006
Ostrich feathers / ostrich meat influences
The ostrich has been known for thousands of years, from the time of the civilizations of Asia and Egypt. First reference to ostriches in South Africa were recorder around 1770. According to the same reference the farm were situated in the Cape Province. Archeological research has shown that ostriches existed million years ago as far as the Far East. The ostrich feather trade dates back only to thousands of years. Commercial ostrich farming started in South Africa around 1800. Since then, it has become firmly established in the in the Klein Karoo region.
In the beginning of the 20th century, the ostrich feathers symbolized great wealth and prestige. The Jewish community in Oudthoorn were the masterminds in the ostrich feather industry in the early 1900s, they developed it into a very important economic commodity for South Africa. The feathers were exported to Europe for mainly fashion and decoration purposes (wide brim hats, fans). Fashion then changed and the feather demand dropped drastically with the onset of WW1, the war effected export and demand in Europe and SA farmers also were going through a drought period, which effected production.
Ostrich farming continued but in a much smaller scale. The feather demand changed to industrial and home use e.g. feather dusters and cleaning instruments. At the beginning of the 20th century, the ostrich skins became a sought-after commodity. Ostrich leather remains one of the few exotic leather types available. Leather processing of ostrich skins was first processed in South Africa in 1970. The skin prices grew as the market grew and by early 1990 ostrich skin prices reached up to US$500.00 each. In 1993 when the South African ostrich monopoly was abolished the leather prices began to decline until to today.
The meat industry also is a growing industry and can compete with the leather in value. The outbreak of avian flu resulted in meat export bans and resulted in meat being sold in South African local market. The meat is now been declared free of avian flu and exports have resumed into Europe.
From this account of history, we could learn that the ostrich meat idustry has been effected by disease and the ostrich feathers by fashion/market demand.
In the beginning of the 20th century, the ostrich feathers symbolized great wealth and prestige. The Jewish community in Oudthoorn were the masterminds in the ostrich feather industry in the early 1900s, they developed it into a very important economic commodity for South Africa. The feathers were exported to Europe for mainly fashion and decoration purposes (wide brim hats, fans). Fashion then changed and the feather demand dropped drastically with the onset of WW1, the war effected export and demand in Europe and SA farmers also were going through a drought period, which effected production.
Ostrich farming continued but in a much smaller scale. The feather demand changed to industrial and home use e.g. feather dusters and cleaning instruments. At the beginning of the 20th century, the ostrich skins became a sought-after commodity. Ostrich leather remains one of the few exotic leather types available. Leather processing of ostrich skins was first processed in South Africa in 1970. The skin prices grew as the market grew and by early 1990 ostrich skin prices reached up to US$500.00 each. In 1993 when the South African ostrich monopoly was abolished the leather prices began to decline until to today.
The meat industry also is a growing industry and can compete with the leather in value. The outbreak of avian flu resulted in meat export bans and resulted in meat being sold in South African local market. The meat is now been declared free of avian flu and exports have resumed into Europe.
From this account of history, we could learn that the ostrich meat idustry has been effected by disease and the ostrich feathers by fashion/market demand.
Monday, March 06, 2006
Birdflu: Finland must keep ostriches indoors!
"From next Wednesday, new regulations stipulate that poultry should be kept indoors to prevent the spread of the disease from migratory birds to domesticated fowl.
Sune Mattson, an ostrich farmer in Saltvik in the Finland Islands, feels that ostriches simply cannot be kept indoors. "Helsingin Sanomat - International Edition - Home:
Sune Mattson, an ostrich farmer in Saltvik in the Finland Islands, feels that ostriches simply cannot be kept indoors. "Helsingin Sanomat - International Edition - Home:
Thumbs up from Norway for ostrich meat in Namibia
"Besides lamb and springbok, B&M Food also imports into Norway ostrich meat from OPN in Keetmanshoop. The company has imported beef from Namibia and Botswana since April/May 1995, and is the largest importer by volume of both of frozen and chilled products from the two countries."allAfrica.com: Namibia: Norway Inspects Mariental Meat Packaging Factory:
Zimbabwe get the all clear for avian flu for ostriches
"Zimbabwe's The Herald is pleased the country's authorities have given the OK for a number of major poultry arms to resume exports after they were declared free of the H5N1 virus.
A leading veterinary official said 'a regional approach in combating the virus was the best effective preventive mechanism that would see the southern African region free of the virus'.
'He said his department had during the assessment at two ostrich farms in Bulawayo, detected harmless anti-bodies of the H5N2 type of the avian virus in the ostriches.'"JTW News - African press eyes bird flu dangers:
A leading veterinary official said 'a regional approach in combating the virus was the best effective preventive mechanism that would see the southern African region free of the virus'.
'He said his department had during the assessment at two ostrich farms in Bulawayo, detected harmless anti-bodies of the H5N2 type of the avian virus in the ostriches.'"JTW News - African press eyes bird flu dangers:
Sunday, March 05, 2006
South African TV news on Ostrich flu outbreak
South African TV news on Ostrich flu outbreak
Click on the following link to read media release for the ostrich flu outbreak:
SABCnews.com - economy/business
Click on the following link to read media release for the ostrich flu outbreak:
SABCnews.com - economy/business
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
30 000 dead ostriches economic ripple
On the 9 August 2004 around 30 000 ostriches were culled due evidense of Avian flu H5N2 in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.
Some questions still remain hanging:
1) Did the ostriches have the antibodies from a prevoius outbreak?
2) Why the extreme measure in the Eastern Cape and not in the rest of South Africa ?
3) Why were there no imediate roadblocks instituted by the SA government?
4) Did anybody preserve the antibodies for further research?
Many farm birds were relaesed to wild/mountains to prevent infection. The infected birds were burried in mass graves. Today in the Eastern Cape due to teh mass cull ostrich breeders are rare. The Western Cape is now main source of chicks and chick prices have droped ealy in 2006 due to over supply. Ostrich suppliers in Graaf Reinet and Port Elizabeth were crippled and still working hard to enter market. Strategic buy outs of Eastern Cape tanneries have occured by larger players and is causing interesting ripples in markets.
Some questions still remain hanging:
1) Did the ostriches have the antibodies from a prevoius outbreak?
2) Why the extreme measure in the Eastern Cape and not in the rest of South Africa ?
3) Why were there no imediate roadblocks instituted by the SA government?
4) Did anybody preserve the antibodies for further research?
Many farm birds were relaesed to wild/mountains to prevent infection. The infected birds were burried in mass graves. Today in the Eastern Cape due to teh mass cull ostrich breeders are rare. The Western Cape is now main source of chicks and chick prices have droped ealy in 2006 due to over supply. Ostrich suppliers in Graaf Reinet and Port Elizabeth were crippled and still working hard to enter market. Strategic buy outs of Eastern Cape tanneries have occured by larger players and is causing interesting ripples in markets.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Is my color my color?
Heard a story of a company that spent a season developing a range of colors for Europe market at a tannery in SA. The tannery secretly developed there own range of similar colors to sell into Europe.
Recomendation: From season to season colors change and can give you edge in the fashion industry. Beware when developing colors, the tanneries can take advantage. Use recognised tanneries or agents to develop colors in order to protect your market edge.
Recomendation: From season to season colors change and can give you edge in the fashion industry. Beware when developing colors, the tanneries can take advantage. Use recognised tanneries or agents to develop colors in order to protect your market edge.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
"Where there is smoke there is fire.
Where there is ostrich feathers there is ostrich meat."
Ostrich Cowboy, 2006.
If you are looking for ostrich meat, I always say see where other products are advertised. It is a good chance that the buyer of ostrich feathers knows where to get ostrich meat, after all they come from the same bird.
Where there is ostrich feathers there is ostrich meat."
Ostrich Cowboy, 2006.
If you are looking for ostrich meat, I always say see where other products are advertised. It is a good chance that the buyer of ostrich feathers knows where to get ostrich meat, after all they come from the same bird.
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Ostrich feather crash, can we learn form it?
The main contributors for the ostrich feather crash was a change in market, South Africa supports Allies in World War I and the hardships experienced by the farmers during the 1910-1915 period.
100 years later and todays factors that influence are: South Africa does not hold monolpoly in the ostrich industry. The ostrich industry has spread to Canada, Turkey, Israel, Australia, Mexico, Spain, China. Bird flu spread has limited distribution of ostrich products, manufacturing has moved to China and harming the American market. Without governmnt subsidy farmers are finding it difficult to compete internationally.
Monday, February 13, 2006
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