Namibia has lifted its nearly year-long ban on live poultry and bird imports from South Africa, a critical move for a country that depends heavily on its neighbour for poultry supplies.
The ban, which was originally imposed in September 2023, came in response to a highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak in South Africa. The suspension of imports had significant economic implications, disrupting the supply chain and leading to increased prices and shortages in Namibia’s poultry market.
Namibia, which consumes approximately 2 500 metric tonnes of chicken monthly, relies on South Africa for the majority of its poultry imports, making the ban particularly impactful on local consumers and businesses.
The decision to lift the ban is expected to stabilise the market, providing relief to Namibian consumers who have faced rising costs, and to South African exporters who have been eager to resume trade.
However, even as Namibia reopens its borders to South African poultry, the country remains vigilant against other potential threats.
The country’s ministry of agriculture has announced a new suspension on imports of live birds and uncooked poultry products from Brazil’s Rio Grande do Sul state, following an outbreak of avian Newcastle disease in that region. This precautionary measure is part of Namibia’s ongoing efforts to protect its poultry industry from the spread of infectious diseases.
The ministry has specified that any poultry consignments from the Brazilian state packed on or after 18 June, the date of the suspension, will be either returned or destroyed at the importer’s expense.
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