WINDHOEK, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) -- Namibia has lifted control measures it imposed after an outbreak of a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), which killed over 1,000 wild birds, mainly cape cormorants, the Directorate of Veterinary Services said Monday.
The highly-pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza, which is a deadly form of bird flu that can be transmitted to humans, was first detected in January in the towns of Walvis Bay and Swakopmund on the southwest African nation's coastline.
In a press statement, Chief Veterinary Officer Albertina Shikongo said the outbreak is considered to have been successfully controlled as the last HPAI cases were last reported on March 18, 2022.
"Control measures which included among others movement restriction of all live domestic and wild birds, from in and out of the coastal areas and suspension of guano harvesting and guano movement from that region have been lifted," she said.
The ministry advised poultry farmers to continue to apply biosecurity and safety measures during guano harvesting and handling, she said. ■