Namibia bans poultry imports
Following the appearance of the H5N8 strain of bird flu, Namibia has closed its borders.
Namibia has suspended the import and in transit movement of live poultry, birds and products from South Africa and Belgium following the outbreak of bird flu (H5N8).
South Africa confirmed outbreaks on at least two farms this month and Belgium had one earlier this year.
Bird flu is an infectious disease of birds which is caused by a type of strain of the influenza virus which occurs worldwide.
It is characterised by sudden onset, severe illness, and rapid death with a mortality rate that can reach extreme levels.
In a statement, issued by the agriculture ministry, the chief veterinary officer Milton Maseke said all previously issued import and in-transit permits are cancelled and recalled with immediate effect.
“Since the incubation period of the disease is 21 days as set by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), the suspension will take effect 21 days prior to the date of start of the event,” he said.
“Cooked poultry meat products from South Africa for commercial purposes may still be imported into Namibia under a revised veterinary import permit.”
Maseke cautioned the public that the disease could be transmitted to humans through handling and coming into close contact with infected poultry as well as consuming poultry products from infected poultry.
Some common health signs of the disease in poultry include swelling and purple discolouration of the head and wattle, swelling and red discolouration of the feet, bleeding of internal organs, staggering movement and paralysis of wings and legs.
STAFF REPORTER
South Africa confirmed outbreaks on at least two farms this month and Belgium had one earlier this year.
Bird flu is an infectious disease of birds which is caused by a type of strain of the influenza virus which occurs worldwide.
It is characterised by sudden onset, severe illness, and rapid death with a mortality rate that can reach extreme levels.
In a statement, issued by the agriculture ministry, the chief veterinary officer Milton Maseke said all previously issued import and in-transit permits are cancelled and recalled with immediate effect.
“Since the incubation period of the disease is 21 days as set by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), the suspension will take effect 21 days prior to the date of start of the event,” he said.
“Cooked poultry meat products from South Africa for commercial purposes may still be imported into Namibia under a revised veterinary import permit.”
Maseke cautioned the public that the disease could be transmitted to humans through handling and coming into close contact with infected poultry as well as consuming poultry products from infected poultry.
Some common health signs of the disease in poultry include swelling and purple discolouration of the head and wattle, swelling and red discolouration of the feet, bleeding of internal organs, staggering movement and paralysis of wings and legs.
STAFF REPORTER
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