Import restrictions enforced after avian flu outbreaks in Africa
Live chicken imports have been restricted in Zambia has part of the government’s efforts to limit the resurgence of a highly pathogenic form of avian influenza (HPAI).
The republic’s government announced the restriction of live chicken and chicken products from Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo after the disease was confirmed on farms in the countries, reports the Poultry Site.
It has also reactivated the Avian Influenza Multi-Spectral National Response Committee, which was first formed in 2012, to respond to the threat.
As part of its restrictions, the government has said that imports of parent stocks are allowed only from HPAI-free countries after a thorough risk-assessment has been carried out.
Farmers are also being asked to report abnormal bird deaths, avoid interactions between domestic and wild birds, and ensure high levels of biosecurity on their farms.
As part of control measures, the government has also stepped up its surveillance on bodies of water that are routes for wild birds.
Posted on March 15, 2018