Namibia’s poultry industry monitors bird flu risk as regional cases raise alarm

NAMIBIA – Namibia’s poultry sector is closely watching regional developments after a rise in avian influenza cases in South Africa prompted that country to launch a pilot vaccination program for broiler breeders.

In light of this, the Poultry Producers Association (PPA) in Namibia is assessing possible actions to prepare for a similar outbreak, even though no cases have recently been reported in the country.

PPA chairperson Louis Kleynhans said the group is considering registering and importing bird flu vaccines for use if required, adding that early planning is essential to avoid delays in case of an emergency.

As part of its preparations, the PPA is working with the Directorate of Veterinary Services and the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform to establish formal response protocols for future outbreaks.

These guidelines will outline how live birds may be transported and traded, how poultry will be vaccinated if needed, and how the spread of the disease can be prevented across the country.

The risk of infection from wild birds remains a concern, especially since migratory species are known to carry the H5N1 virus, which can be deadly to domestic poultry.

Although central Namibia is less exposed due to its distance from major migration routes, a serious outbreak in January 2022 along the country’s west coast showed how quickly the virus can reach local bird populations.

That outbreak led to the deaths of more than 1,000 wild birds, mostly cormorants, in areas around Walvis Bay and Swakopmund in the Erongo region.

Testing of the affected birds confirmed the presence of the H5N1 strain, which was found to be genetically similar to viruses detected in Lesotho and Botswana the year before.

This was the first time Namibia had conducted a full genomic analysis of the virus, marking a significant moment for local surveillance efforts.

Following the outbreak, strict controls were introduced that limited the movement of domestic and wild birds in and out of the affected areas.

Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Albertina Shikongo later confirmed that the outbreak had been brought under control, with the last reported case occurring on March 18, 2022.

During that time, the government urged poultry farmers and residents to report any sick or dead birds immediately to nearby veterinary offices.

Live bird movement out of the coastal areas was banned unless officially authorized, and only consignments from outside the country were allowed under special permits.

The PPA has stated that the experience from this outbreak has played a key role in shaping its current prevention plans.

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