The Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform has announced the resumption of the importation of poultry meat from South Africa to Namibia.

This was revealed in a notice issued by the Directorate of Veterinary Services informing the public about the resumption of the importation of poultry meat of South African origin to Namibia on Sunday.

The Ministry says it should be noted that only poultry meat derived from live poultry originating from bio-secure poultry farms, as listed by the Veterinary Authority of South Africa, will be permitted to be imported into Namibia.

South Africa is said to be still battling with Avian influenza, but Namibia has put up measures, and both authorities have agreed to only import poultry from the compartments.

“Last week, the ministry partially lifted the restriction on the importation of poultry meat from South Africa. This is because South Africa since last year around April has been battling with Avian influenza, that is, the bird flu virus, and since then we have enforced restrictions on all poultry products to be imported from SA, such as meat, eggs, live poultry, chicks, and hatching eggs. But, as for now, the partial lifting of the restrictions is only applicable to poultry meat from bio-secure farms as listed by SA; those are permitted to be imported in Namibia.”

The Ministry of Agriculture suspended the importation and in-transit movement of live poultry, birds, and poultry products from South Africa last September.