"Massive Chicken Culling in South Africa to Combat Bird Flu Outbreaks"
South Africa has culled approximately 7.5 million chickens in an effort to contain multiple outbreaks of avian influenza, which posed a threat to the country's egg and poultry supply. Over 205,000 chickens have died in at least 60 separate outbreaks, with the majority occurring in Gauteng province. The culling represents about 20-30% of South Africa's total chicken stock. The government is fast-tracking import permits for eggs and considering a vaccination program. The outbreaks have led to supply constraints, with some grocery stores limiting egg purchases. The poultry industry, already struggling due to an electricity crisis, has suffered losses of at least $25 million.