Bird flu suspected in Erongo
NAMPA
SWAKOPMUND
The ministry of agriculture has warned of a suspected bird flu outbreak in wild birds along the coast.
Bird flu is caused by variants of the influenza virus that occur naturally among wild waterbirds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird species.
In a press statement issued on Friday, the ministry said a number of wild Cape cormorants and pelicans were found dead on Bird Island and in areas outside Walvis Bay.
“Since 14 January 2022, ministry officials have been carrying out disease outbreak investigations around the affected areas and found two dead pelicans and recorded over 200 Cape cormorant deaths.
“Live sick birds were also observed showing clinical signs such as tremors, staggering movements and swollen heads.”
Additionally, some sick birds showed signs of tameness and reluctance to flee from humans, according to the report.
The ministry added that samples sent to the Central Veterinary Laboratory for confirmation are still pending, but the source of the infection is suspected to be wild migratory birds.
Farmers and the public are warned to immediately report any sick or dead domestic or wild birds along the Namibian coastline to the nearest veterinary office.
The public is further warned against the consumption or handling of infected birds, as humans too can be infected with the virus.
SWAKOPMUND
The ministry of agriculture has warned of a suspected bird flu outbreak in wild birds along the coast.
Bird flu is caused by variants of the influenza virus that occur naturally among wild waterbirds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird species.
In a press statement issued on Friday, the ministry said a number of wild Cape cormorants and pelicans were found dead on Bird Island and in areas outside Walvis Bay.
“Since 14 January 2022, ministry officials have been carrying out disease outbreak investigations around the affected areas and found two dead pelicans and recorded over 200 Cape cormorant deaths.
“Live sick birds were also observed showing clinical signs such as tremors, staggering movements and swollen heads.”
Additionally, some sick birds showed signs of tameness and reluctance to flee from humans, according to the report.
The ministry added that samples sent to the Central Veterinary Laboratory for confirmation are still pending, but the source of the infection is suspected to be wild migratory birds.
Farmers and the public are warned to immediately report any sick or dead domestic or wild birds along the Namibian coastline to the nearest veterinary office.
The public is further warned against the consumption or handling of infected birds, as humans too can be infected with the virus.
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