South Africa 's ostrich industry is facing tough times after a major bird flu outbreak . Hooper is just one of the hundreds of Oudtshoorn farmers facing tough times after the H5N2 virus was first detected in the region in April -- the strain , officials say , does not pose a threat to humans but could mutate and affect poultry . More than 40,000 ostriches have been culled since last April . The disease has killed more than half of the birds in southern and eastern parts of the country, leaving farmers with little choice but to cull their flocks. South Africa accounts for up to 80 % of the world 's ostrich products .
South Africa 's ostrich industry is facing tough times after a major bird flu outbreak . More than 40,000 ostriches have been culled since last April . The disease has killed more than half of the birds in southern and eastern parts of the country, leaving farmers with little choice but to cull their flocks. South Africa accounts for up to 80 % of the world 's ostrich products .