Namibia has banned the import of rooster and eggs from South Africa, which is battling the worst hen flu outbreak ever to hit the nation, the federal government introduced on Wednesday.
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The transfer, which has rapid impact, was triggered by an “alarming” improve in instances of “extremely pathogenic avian influenza”, the African nation’s agriculture ministry mentioned.
“Importation and in-transit motion” of reside chickens, poultry meat, eggs and chicks from South Africa can be suspended “till additional discover” it mentioned.
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One of many continent’s main poultry producers, South Africa reported the primary hen flu instances in industrial farms in April, in response to an business group.
As a consequence of its proximity, South Africa was Namibia’s “most well-liked provider” of rooster, however the nation imports poultry additionally from Europe and South America, agriculture ministry spokesperson Jona Musheko advised AFP.
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Earlier this month, the South African Poultry Affiliation (SAPA) mentioned the nation was contending with two totally different strains of the virus, the notorious H5N1 and a brand new pressure recognized as H7N6.
Producer Quantum Meals mentioned final week that this 12 months it had misplaced virtually two million chickens – price a complete of greater than R100 million – due to the illness.
Chicken flu doesn’t sometimes infect people. However H5N1 is more and more infecting mammals worldwide, elevating fears it may go on extra simply to folks.
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The virus has sometimes been confined to seasonal outbreaks, however since 2021 instances have emerged year-round, and throughout the globe, resulting in what consultants say is the biggest outbreak ever seen.
SAPA mentioned the variety of avian flu instances in South Africa this 12 months was greater than in any 12 months because the first outbreaks had been reported in industrial farms in 2017.
By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse
