Newcastle controls intensify No birds or eggs in or out of the Newcastle disease in the north of Namibia has killed 4 000 birds and the ministry has intensified control measures. The ministry of agriculture has announced a ban on the movement of live birds and hatching of eggs from countries outside Namibia and an immediate withdrawal of all import permits issued prior to the ban. The stricter restrictions come in the wake of intensified control on the movement of live birds following the outbreak of Newcastle disease in the Northern Communal Areas.
The ministry announced yesterday that the movement of live birds and the hatching of eggs from countries outside Namibia, as well as regions south of the veterinary cordon fence into affected regions, have been banned with immediate effect. The ministry stressed that strict control measures have already been implemented following the outbreak that has killed over 4 000 chickens.
According to the ministry, the outbreak is still confined to the four regions of Omusati, Oshana, Ohangwena and Oshikoto and no new cases have been reported outside these regions.
The ministry said that all movement of live birds, uncooked eggs, and feathers within, from and into Omusati, Ohangwena and Oshikoto are still banned.
Live birds include chickens, ducks, ostriches, guinea fowl, caged birds, pigeons and doves.
Chicken feed originating from establishments where live chickens are kept is also included in the quarantine.
The ministry however said that the movement of birds into infected areas may be allowed under a veterinary permit if the birds are fully vaccinated.
This means that they should be vaccinated three times against Newcastle disease.
Furthermore, the ban on the movement of live birds, frozen poultry meat, uncooked eggs and feathers from neighbouring countries that border the affected northern regions of Namibia also remain in place. The ministry said that the movement of frozen poultry meat may only be allowed provided that the relevant veterinary documents are present.
However, frozen poultry meat from the infected areas is not allowed.
Inspections are being conducted at roadblocks within the affected areas. There are also regular patrols along the international borders.
Commercial poultry or bird farmers have been urged to vaccinate their birds against the disease.
The public is advised not to eat any poultry or birds that have died from the disease, or any other disease.
Such carcasses must be destroyed by burning.
Newcastle disease is a highly infectious viral disease of birds.
It is characterised by diarrhoea, bowing of heads, swollen head and wattles, paralysis and twisting of the neck, sneezing, coughing, gasping and nasal discharge.
ELLANIE SMIT