Maputo, 18 Oct (AIM) – The Mozambican Ministry of Agriculture has suspended the import of all domesticated and wild birds, and all poultry produce from South Africa, following outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in South Africa, reported on 6 October.
According to a press release from the Ministry, the South African outbreaks led to an increase in prevention and surveillance activities. On 13 October a suspected outbreak of bird flu was detected in Morrumbene district, in the southern province of Inhambane.
There was a suspicious increase in mortality among poultry recently imported from North West province in South Africa. Laboratory analyses are under way to determine which strain of bird flu caused these deaths.
The Ministry has ordered restrictions on the movement of birds and poultry products from Morrumbene, and has strengthened vigilance throughout the country.
The Ministry is urging communities to report immediately any cases of illness and death among chickens or other birds to the veterinary services. All birds, whether sick or healthy, in the affected poultry pavilion in Morrumbene must be destroyed. All eggs marketed in Morrumbene since 15 September must be collected and destroyed.
The Ministry release adds that all poultry products for human consumption should be thoroughly cooked. Anyone involved in poultry farming should wash their hands before and after handling birds or poultry produce, and personal protective equipment must be used when handling poultry in the production areas.
Since bird flu can be transmitted to humans, the Agriculture and Health Ministries are coordinating actions to respond to and mitigate the disease.
(AIM)
Pf/ (267)