Updated on : 01-06-2021
DEPARTMENT OF LIVESTOCK SERVICES CIRCULAR NO.2 OF 2021
DEPARTMENT OF LIVESTOCK SERVICES
PRIVATE BAG A82
MASERU, 100
Tel: +266 22317284
31 May 2021
L/VET/4/5
TO: ALL DISTRICT AGRICULTURAL OFFICERS
ALL DISTRICT VETERINARY OFFICERS
ALL DISTRICT ANIMAL PRODUCTION OFFICERS
COPY: Hon. Minister of Agriculture and Food Security
P.S Agriculture and Food Security
All heads of Departments-MAFS
District Administrators
Heads of Divisions-DLS
Ministry of Trade and Industry
Ministry of Small Business Development and Marketing
Ministry of Police- Commissioner of Police
Commander of Lesotho Defense Force
Commissioner of Customs (LRA)
Heads of Border Agencies
Director General of Health Services
FAO
WHO
Agricultural Information Services
Subject: Outbreak of Notifiable Avian influenza in Lesotho
The Department of livestock Services under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security received a report of high mortality of layers (over 500 birds dead) in a mixed farm located at Ha Penapena on 28 May 2021. Our veterinarian went to investigate on the same day, which was followed by another visit by a team of veterinarians the next day on the 29 May 2021. Based on the history, clinical signs and post-mortem findings, avian influenza (bird flu) was suspected. Samples were collected and submitted to the Central veterinary laboratory where the Real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) was conducted and confirmed an outbreak of the Notifiable Avian Influenza (tentative avian influenza subtype H5). The Department of Livestock Services is at an advanced stage of sending samples for pathotyping and N typing to LGC Genomics in Germany and Onderstepoort Veterinary Research Institute in Pretoria, South Africa.
The Department has taken the following measures with immediate effect to curb the spread of the disease:
The Department and all concerned will continue monitoring and assessing the situation and will inform the public about any changes.
N:B This is a zoonotic disease, which can be transmissible between infected birds and humans, public is advised not to consume sick or dead chickens, and should immediately report any suspicious, sick or dead domestic and wild birds to the nearest veterinary establishment.
Dr. Keneuoe Lehloenya
Director of livestock Services
Title | Category | Created On |
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Launch of the Lesotho National Single Window | General | 2022-07-01 16:20:50 |
Lesotho Standards for Public Review | General | 2021-11-12 07:20:52 |
PUBLIC NOTICE- DUBAI EXPO 2021 | General | 2021-06-10 14:51:04 |
Outbreak of Notifiable Avian influenza in Lesotho | Export | 2021-06-01 12:22:38 |
Restriction on Importation of Poultry and Poultry Products from South Africa Following an Outbreak of Notifiable Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza | Import | 2021-05-09 13:44:50 |