1st LD Writethru: Namibia bans live birds trade to contain disease outbreak

The Namibian Agriculture Ministry has banned movement and trading of live birds in Namibia following an outbreak of the New Castle disease in July this year.

In a notice seen by Xinhua Monday, the agriculture ministry confirmed that the contagious bird disease that is transmissible to humans, has been spreading in three regions - Oshana, Ohangwena and Oshikoto - in the north of the country.

The notice also said that although this is not the first time New Castle disease was reported in Namibia, the magnitude of the current outbreak "has not been seen in the country for a long time."

In light of this, the notice further said, movement and trading of live birds - chickens, ducks, ostriches, guinea fowls, caged birds, pigeons and doves - has been banned with immediate effect.

Also banned with immediate effect is the movement of uncooked eggs and feathers from neighboring countries that border the northern regions of Namibia.

To enforce the ban, the notice said, road blocks will be erected on the roads leading to and from the affected regions.

In addition, farmers in the affected regions have been urged to visit their nearest state veterinary office for New Castle disease vaccines.

Although the notice said commercial poultry farmers should have sound vaccination programs and biosecurity in place, ostrich farmers were advised not to do so without consulting veterinary offices.

"The public is hereby advised not to consume poultry that died from this disease or any other disease but to report such incidences to the nearest state veterinary offices," the notice said, adding that such poultry should be burnt. Endit