Newcastle kills 4 000 chickens The outbreak of Newcastle disease in the north of Namibia has so far killed 4 000 chickens, while more than 400 cases of lumpy skin disease have been reported in cattle. Providing an update to Namibian Sun on the latest disease outbreaks impacting the country''s meat industry, acting permanent secretary in the agriculture ministry Sophia Kasheeta said that Newcastle disease is still confined to the Oshana, Omusati, Ohangwena and Oshikoto regions.
She stressed that there are control measures in place which include movement control, vaccination and public awareness campaigns.
“The review on the effectiveness of these control measures will be carried out by the Directorate of Veterinary Service soon,” she said.
She added the ministry has not received any reports yet of people that have become ill from eating chicken products infected by Newcastle disease.
“Nevertheless, we still strongly urge the public not to consume meat from sick chickens or any other sick animal,” she said.
Kasheeta further said that normally it would take about 12 months from the last day a case of Newcastle disease was seen to declare the outbreak over.
With regards to lumpy skin disease, the last case was reported on 27 June.
“Lumpy skin disease is currently under control,” said Kasheeta.
The outbreak, which started in April this year, was reported in the areas of Rooibult, VatiraPost, De Hoek and Sukkelaar Post in Otjombinde and Kalkpan in Epukiro.
A total of 436 cases were recorded since the start of the outbreak with 433 cases that were reported in Otjombinde and three in Epukiro.
Four cattle have died.
She said that control measures are in place and this includes vaccination and movement restrictions.
She added that with regards to the suspension of exports to China due to this outbreak, the ministry is currently engaging with the General Administration for Quality Supervision Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) of China to amend import conditions regarding lumpy skin disease. It was recently announced that Namibia will not be allowed to export any beef products to China for at least 12 months following the outbreak.
ELLANIE SMIT