Bird flu is back
Following an almost global outbreak of a variety of bird flu strains, Namibia has responded quickly and halted imports.
Namibia has suspended the import of live poultry, birds and poultry products due to the outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), known informally as bird flu that has been reported in several parts of Europe, Asia and Africa.
This was announced last week by the agricultural ministry which said that some of the affected countries in Europe, Asia and Africa include France, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Ukraine, Russia, Denmark, United Kingdom, Italy, Greece, India and Nigeria.
According to the ministry since the incubation period of the disease is 21 days as set by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), the suspension takes 42 days.
This means two incubation periods prior to the date of first detection. All previously issued import permits are therefore recalled.
According to the ministry Avian influenza is an infectious disease of birds caused by type A strains of the influenza virus which occur worldwide.
All birds are thought to be susceptible to infection with avian influenza, though some species are more resistant to infection than others.
The ministry said that HPAI is characterised by the sudden onset, severe illness, and rapid death, with a mortality rate that can be up to 100%.
Common clinical signs include swelling and purple discolouration of the head, comb and wattle, swelling and red discolouration of the feet, bleeding of internal organs and muscles, greenish diarrhoea, twisting of the neck, staggering movement and paralysis of wings and legs.
Disease caused by some strains of the following subtypes: H5N1, H7N9 may be transmitted to humans.
People can be infected with the virus through the eyes, nose, mouth through handling and coming into close contact with infected poultry, birds, and through the handling of their saliva, mucus and faeces of infected birds and through consumption of poultry products from infected poultry.
Importers are urged to contact the veterinary permits office for further information on the countries currently affected by HPAI.
ELLANIE SMIT
This was announced last week by the agricultural ministry which said that some of the affected countries in Europe, Asia and Africa include France, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Ukraine, Russia, Denmark, United Kingdom, Italy, Greece, India and Nigeria.
According to the ministry since the incubation period of the disease is 21 days as set by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), the suspension takes 42 days.
This means two incubation periods prior to the date of first detection. All previously issued import permits are therefore recalled.
According to the ministry Avian influenza is an infectious disease of birds caused by type A strains of the influenza virus which occur worldwide.
All birds are thought to be susceptible to infection with avian influenza, though some species are more resistant to infection than others.
The ministry said that HPAI is characterised by the sudden onset, severe illness, and rapid death, with a mortality rate that can be up to 100%.
Common clinical signs include swelling and purple discolouration of the head, comb and wattle, swelling and red discolouration of the feet, bleeding of internal organs and muscles, greenish diarrhoea, twisting of the neck, staggering movement and paralysis of wings and legs.
Disease caused by some strains of the following subtypes: H5N1, H7N9 may be transmitted to humans.
People can be infected with the virus through the eyes, nose, mouth through handling and coming into close contact with infected poultry, birds, and through the handling of their saliva, mucus and faeces of infected birds and through consumption of poultry products from infected poultry.
Importers are urged to contact the veterinary permits office for further information on the countries currently affected by HPAI.
ELLANIE SMIT
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