Dangerous bird flu that killed thousands of sea birds, now under control – Official
Control measures imposed after an outbreak of a highly pathogenic avian influenza, which killed over 1000 wild birds, mainly cape cormorants, have been lifted the Directorate of Veterinary Services said this week.
The avian influenza which is a deadly form of bird flu that can be transmitted to humans was first detected in January in the towns of Walvis Bay and Swakopmund
Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Albertina Shikongo, in a statement said the outbreak is considered to have been successfully controlled as the last HPAI cases were reported on 18 March.
“Control measures which included among others, movement restriction of all live domestic and wild birds from in and out of the coastal areas and suspension of guano harvesting and guano movement from that region have been lifted,’ she said.
The ministry further informed poultry farmers that despite the lifting of restrictive measures, they should continue to apply biosecurity measures, while safety measures should be practiced during guano harvesting and handling, she said.
