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Namibia, the major importer of South African poultry is under the trail of suspended poultry imports due to the alarming spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in South Africa. In order to fill the gap Namibia is exp importing it from its other neighbours Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The option of Europe is definitely on the cards, but their product is almost double the price compared to the one from South Africa.
Namibia, the major importer of South African poultry is under the trail of suspended poultry imports due to the alarming spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in South Africa. In order to fill the gap Namibia is exp importing it from its other neighbours Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The option of Europe is definitely on the cards, but their product is almost double the price compared to the one from South Africa.
The Namibian Directorate of Veterinary Services under the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform announced the immediate suspension of live poultry and poultry product imports from South Africa in light of the HPAI outbreak. The duration of the suspension remains uncertain, as international rules typically allow borders to reopen three months after the last outbreak. It will depend on how the veterinary services handle the situation.
South Africa always had a bit of closure of the South African border. In one way, it’s actually good so that no illegal imports come from South Africa anymore, any dumping. It helps the local production a bit. While there would likely be an impact on smaller farmers who rely on imports from South Africa for male chicks and point-of-lay chickens, Namibia has been dealing with periodic border closures since 2017.
However, certain essential items, such as parent stock, would still need to be imported, and South Africa remains the most economical choice. Regarding the extent of poultry imports, egg imports had ceased over the last six or seven months, with eggs being proudly produced in Namibia, except for the parent stock.
In terms of biosecurity measures, the importance of maintaining strict protocols, particularly for commercial farmers. Namibia’s desert environment offers some natural protection, as wild birds tend to fly along the coastline rather than directly over the country.
Read Also:
https://trendsnafrica.com/namibia-bans-poultry-imports-from-south-africa/
https://trendsnafrica.com/poultry-exports-pick-up-in-zambia/
https://trendsnafrica.com/namibia-suspends-live-poultry-imports-from-europe/
Namibia, which consumes approximately 2,500 tons of chicken every month, will be closely monitoring the situation and seeking viable poultry sources in neighbouring countries while ensuring the safety of its poultry industry.
