Gauteng Smallholder October 2017 | Page 7

NEWS Inexorable spread of bird ‘flu H aving been identi- fied originally at poultry farms near Standerton and the Vaal, more than 24 outbreaks of the H5N8 strain of bird flu have been identified since June, says to the Dept of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries. Provinces affected now include Gauteng, MAILBAG Troublesome beehive siting S ir ~ My neighbour has elected to site some beehives close to our common boundary fence. Trouble is, on my side of the fence there is a bridle path used by children and their ponies going to and fro to the stables etc. Now we all know that children, ponies and bees are an unhappy combination and I am concerned that we may have a situation that ends in tears … or worse. My neighbour being a recalcitrant fellow with a limited ear for reason, I fear I will have to resort to other tactics than mere words to convince him of his stupidity. Thus, can anybody tell me what the beekeeper's responsibilities and obligations are concerning the safe siting of his hives, or in relation to siting hives up against a boundary fence, the activities on the other side of which he has no control over. Mountain Man (name supplied) By email The Editor welcomes your letters, comments and opinions, but reserves the right to edit and shorten as necessary. Senders’ names and addresses must be included. Afrikaans letters will be translated. Post mail to: Letters, PO Box 14648, Bredell 1623 or fax 086 602-3882 or e-mail [email protected] 5 www.sasmallholder.co.za Mpumalanga and the Western Cape. According to the department, there have been ten out- breaks in commercial chickens, three outbreaks in commercial ostrich, five outbreaks in wild birds, three outbreak in birds that were kept as a hobby and three outbreaks in backyard poultry. All the affected properties were placed under quarantine and 'disease control measures' (a euphemism for culling) have commenced. Continued on page 6