ASHLEY MASAKADZA

The Avian Influenza Outbreak in South Africa has raised concern to the Zimbabwean Government, raising worries that it may spread into the country and affect its poultry sector.

Government yesterday revealed that the country has started to put preventive measures to curb the disease, and urged farmers to visit the veterinary offices if they notice any attack on their animals.

“Cabinet received a Report on the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in South Africa, and implications for Zimbabwe, as presented by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Honourable Dr. A.J. Masuka.

The nation is being informed that South Africa is currently experiencing outbreaks of two different strains of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N8 and H7N6 in seven of its nine provinces. The Government has instituted the following preventative measures among others through the Department of Veterinary Services: activation of Rapid Response Teams; and awareness campaigns to the poultry industry value chain players and the public on the urgent need to strengthen their bio-security measures.

“The Poultry Sector is urged to institute the following measures; limit movement of people, feed and farm equipment from other poultry enterprises; and not to feed wild birds coming to the homestead or farm.”

Avian Influenza has killed millions of chickens in South Africa according to media reports.