31 Aug 2021

Farming community and members of the public are informed of a suspected outbreak of highly pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in back yard chickens at Bokaa in Kgatleng district.

A press release from the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food Security says as a result of this outbreak, movement of live poultry and their products (fresh meat, eggs and feathers) within and out of Bokaa extension area is suspended with immediate effect.

It says movement of live poultry and their products transiting through Bokaa extension area is allowed only if accompanied by a valid livestock movement permit and transported in a sealed vehicle/container.The release also says seals of such vehicles or containers are only broken by Veterinary officials at destinations and off-loading of live chicken and their products during transit is not allowed.

The release further says poultry keepers are encouraged to improve biosecurity measures in their facilities to prevent access of wild birds to watering points, removing feeds that is accessible to wild birds, deploying scare crows to deter wild birds, keep poultry birds in bird proof poultry houses/shelters and use footbaths with disinfectants when entering or exiting poultry houses.

“The farming community and the general public is requested to be vigilant and to report any deaths of domestic poultry and wild birds to the nearest veterinary office,” says the press release. ends