- Citing the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in several parts of Europe, Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry of Namibia has announced the suspension of live poultry imports from 10 European countries.
- Imports from the Netherlands, Germany, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Denmark, Ukraine, Belgium, Poland, Sweden and France will come under suspension.
Citing the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in several parts of Europe, the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry of Namibia has announced the suspension of live poultry imports from 10 European countries. Imports from the Netherlands, Germany, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Denmark, Ukraine, Belgium, Poland, Sweden and France will come under the suspension of the import and in-transit movement of live poultry and birds to Namibia. However, cooked poultry meat products for commercial purposes are exempted and allowed to be imported into the country under a veterinary import permit.
Dr Albertina Shilongo Chief veterinary officer in a statement clarified that suspension will be effective from 21 days prior since the incubation period of the disease is 21 days, as set by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). Accordingly, all previously issued import and in-transit permits have been cancelled and recalled with immediate effect. He added that the prior notification to importers issued in December 2020 has been withdrawn and replaced by the latest veterinary notification. The affected countries have been informed about the immediate suspension of imports and the in-transit movements of live poultry, birds, raw uncooked poultry products, live ostrich and raw ostrich products from them.