The Directorate of Veterinary Services has resumed the importation of poultry meat from South Africa to Namibia, following the suspension of poultry products between the two countries in 2023.

Chief Veterinary Officer Albertina Shilongo said: “As listed by the veterinary authority of South Africa, poultry meat will be permitted to be imported into Namibia”.

The importation of live poultry, birds and poultry products was suspended last year due to an increase of Highly-Pathogenic Avian influenza (HPAI).

The temporary suspension was implemented with the aim to reinforce the control measures in order to prevent possible introduction of HPAI into Namibia through poultry and poultry products.

Jona Musheko, spokesperson for the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, mentioned in a side-note that South Africa is still battling with Avian influenza. 

“We have put up measures, and all agreed to only import from the compartments as indicated (poultry originating from bio-secure poultry farms),” he stated.

- Nampa