The Botswana government has banned, with immediate effect, the importation of live poultry and their fresh products from South Africa until further notice.
This follows an outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, in commercial farms and compartments, in several Provinces in addition to the initial outbreak report at Gauteng province.
In a statement on Monday, Director-General of Veterinary Services in the Ministry of Agriculture Development and Food Security Dr Letlhogile Oarabile said the ban is aimed at mitigating the risk of possible spread of the disease to Botswana. Said Oarabile:
… all import permits issued for the importation of live poultry and their fresh products from the Republic of South Africa are cancelled with immediate effect;
… and the movement of fresh poultry products, originating from other countries and transiting through the Republic of South Africa, in sealed containers is allowed with a permit.
READ MORE: Botswana Bans Importation Of Cloven-hoofed Animals From South Africa
Two weeks ago Botswana also banned the importation of live cloven-hoofed animals from South Africa following the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in Kwazulu Natal Province.