Importers are requested to return their import licences with immediate effect. The country has intensified inspections of all consignments, including all private and public vehicles at ports of entry. Communities and farmers are urged to be vigilant and to report any unusual mortality of chickens or other birds to the State Veterinary Services for samples to be collected. They are also urged to increase their biosecurity measures to prevent this disease.

The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries says South Africa has prohibited vaccination of chicken against Notifiable Avian Influenza and no vaccine against this disease is registered in the country. It says farmers should not allow their chickens to be vaccinated, but rather ensure that they do not drink from common water sources where wild birds congregate, limit exposure to wild birds by providing food and water indoors or at least well underneath a low solid roof. The virus has been typed as H5N8.

OFM News/Katleho Morapela