January 18, 2021

Namibia bans poultry imports from 10 countries in Europe because of bird flu

Namibia's Directorate of Veterinary Services said the country has suspended poultry imports from the Netherlands, Germany, Ireland, Denmark, Ukraine, Belgium, Poland, Sweden, France, and the United Kingdom following bird flu outbreaks across Europe, Reuters reported.

Dr Albertina Shilongo, Namibia's Chief Veterinary Officer, said the suspension includes imports of live ostrich and raw ostrich products.

The Directorate of Veterinary Services said cooked poultry meat products for commercial purposes will be allowed for import into Namibia, but it must have a veterinary permit.

Namibia consumes 2,500 tonnes of chicken per month. Most of the chicken is imported, mostly from South Africa.

Europe has reported multiple bird flu outbreaks across the region, believed to be spread by migratory wild birds. Thousands of chickens, ducks, and other poultry birds have been culled to prevent the spread of the virus.

- Reuters