Poultry from SA banned due to avian flu

THE agriculture ministry has announced a ban on poultry imports due to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

The ban came into effect on 19 March and includes the movement of live poultry, birds and other poultry products from South Africa.

According to the ministry, since the incubation period of the disease is 21 days, the suspension takes effect 21 days prior.

"This has already started on 9 April 2021, thus the start of the suspension is 19 March 2021. Consignments packed with poultry products in their final packaging on or after the date of suspension will be rejected and sent back to the country of origin, or destroyed at the importers cost. All previously issued import and in-transit permits to import poultry … are hereby cancelled and recalled with immediate effect".

The ministry said Namibia will however continue to allow the import and in-transit movement of live poultry and their products from HPAI-free parts of South Africa. Agriculture minister Calle Schlettwein said he is still waiting for answers on the South African geographical areas that are free of HPAI.

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