Bird flu measures lifted

Control measures imposed after an outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, have been lifted in Swakopmund and Walvis Bay.According to the chief veterinary officer in the agriculture ministry Dr Albertina Shilongo, the virus was responsible for over 1 000 bird deaths, mainly among Cape cormorants.She said the first report of dead birds was received on 13 January this year at Sea Bird Island in Walvis Bay, and the central veterinary laboratory confirmed the HPAI H5N1 strain on 25 January.Other locations that were affected include areas of Swakopmund.Shilongo said the virus was confirmed only in wild birds occurring along the coast of Swakopmund and Walvis Bay.Successfully controlled“For the purpose of controlling the HPAI outbreak, control measures were instituted with immediate effect by the ministry, which included movement restrictions of all live domestic and wild birds from, in and out of the coastal areas of the Erongo Region.”She added that the last HPAI cases were reported on 18 March.“The outbreak is considered to have been successfully controlled, hence the lifting of all restrictive measures effective 2 August.”The ministry further informed poultry farmers that despite the lifting of the measures, they should continue to apply biosecurity and safety measures during guano harvesting and handling.

Bird flu measures lifted

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Namibian Sun 2026-06-08

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Bird flu measures lifted

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Namibian Sun 2026-06-08

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