By Kefiloe Kajane
The department of livestock services under the ministry of agriculture and food security has announced the outbreak of avian influenza (bird flu) in Lesotho.
Avian influenza is a highly contagious viral disease affecting several species of food producing birds: chickens, turkeys, quails and guinea fowl as well as pet birds and wild birds. Occasionally mammals, including humans, may contract avian influenza.
In a statement issued yesterday, the department said it received a report of high mortality of layers with over 500 birds dead in a mixed farm located at Ha Penapena on May 28.
The department said its veterinarian went to the farm to investigate on the same day, which was followed by another visit by a team of veterinarians the next day.
Based on the history, clinical signs and post –mortem findings, avian influenza which is bird flu was suspected.
“Samples were collected and submitted to the central veterinary laboratory where the real-time polymerase chain reaction was conducted and confirmed and outbreak of the Notifiable Avian Influenza. The department of Livestock Services is at an advanced stage of sending samples for patho-typing and N-typing to LGC Genomics in Germany and Onderstepoort Veterinary Research Institute in Pretoria, South Africa.
“The department has taken the measures with immediate effect to curb the spread of the disease by disinfecting and decontamination, official disposal of carcasses, placing the effected farm and surrounding areas (10 km radius) under quarantine with immediate effect, and banning of exportation of poultry products from the borders of Lesotho and also tracing of contact farms,” the statement read.
The department and all concerned will continue monitoring and assessing the situation and will inform the public about any changes.
