Botswana announces outbreak of Avian influenza

The government of Botswana has announced a suspected outbreak of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu) in backyard poultry at Bokaa village in Kgatleng district.

Avian influenza refers to the disease caused by infection with avian (bird) influenza (flu) Type A viruses. These viruses occur naturally among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species.

To curb further spread of the virus, the ministry of agricultural development and food security said that the movement of live poultry and their products (fresh meat, eggs and feathers) within and out of the Bokaa extension area is suspended with immediate effect.

Biosecurity measures

Movement of live poultry and their products transiting through Bokaa extension area is allowed only if: the consignment is accompanied by a valid livestock movement permit, transported in a sealed vehicle/container, and that the seals are only broken by veterinary officials at the destination.

Poultry keepers have been encouraged to improve biosecurity measures in their facilities to deter wild birds including but not limited to: preventing access of wild birds to watering points, removing feed that is accessible to wild birds, deploying scarecrows to deter wild birds, as well as keeping poultry birds in bird-proof poultry houses/shelters and using footbaths with disinfectants when entering or exiting poultry houses.