Namibia suspends poultry imports from Argentina and Chile following avian flu outbreaks

WINDHOEK, March 29 (Xinhua) -- Namibia announced that it is suspending imports and transit of live and raw poultry, birds, live and raw ostrich products from Argentina and Chile, following outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian flu in Latin American countries. Namibia's Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Soil Reform Chief Veterinarian Albertina Shilongo said on Wednesday that the suspension decision was made on February 24 in Argentina and March 10 in Chile, as the World Organization for Animal Health determined the incubation period of the disease to be 14 days. He said that it entered into force for 14 days before the date of sight. "Therefore, consignments containing poultry products packaged in their final packaging at or after the commencement of the suspension will be rejected, returned to the country of origin or destroyed at the importer's expense," Shilongo said. Stating that the contents of refrigerated shipping containers will be considered as a single shipment and ...