By Staff Reporter
WINDHOEK, Aug. 14 – Namibia has taken a proactive step in response to the recent outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Denmark and the Netherlands by suspending imports of live poultry, birds, and poultry products from these European countries.
In recent years, European nations have grappled with avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, resulting in significant bird culling, impacting the supply of poultry meat and eggs.
The suspension pertains to poultry products packaged in Denmark on or after June 28, and poultry products from the Netherlands packaged on or after July 11, as conveyed by Namibia’s veterinary services directorate in an official statement dated August 2, released on Friday, August 11, 2023.
Consignments of affected poultry products will either be returned to their country of origin or responsibly disposed of at the importer’s expense. However, the statement clarified that cooked poultry meat products intended for commercial purposes may still be imported, subject to a veterinary permit.
Namibia, a nation situated in southern Africa, relies heavily on imports, primarily from neighbouring South Africa, to fulfil its monthly chicken consumption estimated at around 2,500 tons, meeting the growing demand.
The suspension demonstrates Namibia’s commitment to safeguarding its poultry industry and public health amid the ongoing avian influenza concerns.
