The Ministry of Agriculture Water and Land Reform (MAWLF) has warned against a suspected Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, in wild birds found along the coastline of Walvis Bay.

Avian influenza is a disease caused by infection of bird flu through Type A viruses. These viruses occur naturally among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species.

In a press statement issued by the ministry on Friday, the ministry said the discovery was made through an investigation after a number of wild Cape Cormorants and Pelicans were found dead on Bird Island and in areas outside Walvis Bay.

“Since 14 January 2022, ministry officials have been carrying out disease outbreak investigations around the affected areas and found two dead pelicans and recorded over 200 cape cormorants death.

Live sick birds were also observed showing clinical signs such as tremors, staggering movements and swollen heads.”

Additionally, some sick birds showed signs of tameness and reluctance to flee from humans, according to the report.

The ministry added that samples collected and sent to the Central Veterinary Laboratory for confirmation are still pending, however the source of the infection is suspected to be due to the wild migratory birds.

Farmers and the general public have therefore been cautioned to immediately report any suspicion of sick or dead domestic or wild birds along the entire Namibian coastal line, to the nearest veterinary office.

The public is further warned against the consumption or handling of infected birds as humans too can be infected with the virus.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency