28 Jul 2025

Farmers and the general public are informed of the outbreak of Avian Influenza  in backyard chicken facility in Satau, Chobe District within the domestic poultry industry. 

A press release from the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture states that Avian Influenza commonly known as bird flu is a highly contagious and fatal viral disease of domestic and wild birds. 

It says the disease can also affect mammals and is a zoonosis; meaning it is transmissible to humans. 

The release further says the disease spread through contact with infected birds contaminated material or equipment. 

Clinical signs in domestic and wild birds, it states, include sudden mortality, swelling of the heads and face, blue discolouration of the comb and wattles, dullness, loss of appetite, depression, coughing, nose and eye discharge, nervous signs such as paralysis and diarrhoea. 

Following the outbreak, the ministry says control measures are in place while it is establishing the extent of the outbreak to minimise further spread of the disease. 

“Movement for live birds, domestic or wild and poultry or bird’s products such as eggs, meat, feathers and egg shells  in Chobe, Maun and Okavango districts, and export of live domestic and wild birds is prohibited.” 

Other control measure is the prohibition of both domestic and wild birds at shows and the selling of poultry at auction sales countrywide. The ministry has also intensified surveillance of domestic and wild birds and advises that contact with suspected affected birds must be avoided and be reported immediately to the Department of Veterinary Services. 

The release states that the control measures will be reviewed depending on the disease situation. ENDS