Zim on high alert for avian flu

Judith Phiri, Business Reporter

Surveillance has been raised along Zimbabwean borders to curb the spread of a  new strain of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) recently reported in South Africa that has led to the death of its national chicken population.

The outbreaks are due to two different strains of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N8 and H7N6 in seven of its nine provinces, leading to the mass destruction of birds in an effort to prevent the virus spreading.

On Tuesday, Cabinet received a report on the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in South Africa, and implications for Zimbabwe, which was presented by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Honourable Dr Anxious Masuka.

In a post Cabinet briefing, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere said the Government has instituted preventative measures through the Department of Veterinary Services.

“The Government has instituted the following preventative measures among others through the Department of Veterinary Services: a) activation of Rapid Response Teams; and

1. b) 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; a) limit movement of people, feed and farm equipment from other poultry enterprises; and

1. b) not to feed wild birds coming to the homestead or farm,” he said.

He said Farmers should contact their nearest Veterinary Offices for guidance.

Zimbabwe last experienced an outbreak of HPAI in 2017 at a local farm where 800 000 birds were destroyed.

Avian Influenza is a highly contagious viral disease of chickens, turkeys, quails, guinea fowl, and wild birds.

It is a transboundary disease that can be spread via migratory wild birds and mechanical vectors, such as contaminated cages and clothing, and through the international trade in infected poultry and poultry products.

The disease can potentially affect humans through exposure to infected birds or handling of infected carcasses. There is no major trade of poultry and poultry products between South Africa and Zimbabwe, and the most probable route of exposure will be through migratory birds and illegal trade of poultry products.