Namibia bans poultry imports from Denmark, Netherlands

Due to an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Denmark and the Netherlands, Namibia has suspended imports of live poultry, birds and poultry products from these countries.

In recent years, European nations have grappled with avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu. This has resulted in the culling of millions of birds, impacting the supply of poultry meat and eggs.

Namibia's veterinary services directorate announced the suspension in a statement late last week. It specified that the ban affects poultry products packaged in Denmark on or after 28 June and from the Netherlands packaged on or after 11 July.

Poultry products that fall under this suspension will either be sent back to their country of origin or be destroyed, with the costs to be incurred by the importer. However, cooked poultry products intended for commercial purposes can still be imported, provided the importer obtains a veterinary permit, it said.

Namibia's monthly chicken consumption averages 2 500 tonnes, with the country primarily relying on imports from neighbouring South Africa to meet demand. Earlier this year, Namibia also banned imports from Argentina and Chile.