News

Outbreak of Notifiable Avian influenza in Lesotho

Summary

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. The Department has taken the following measures with immediate effect to curb the spread of the disease: 1) Disinfection and decontamination 2) Official disposal of carcasses. 3) Placing the affected farm and surrounding areas (10 km radius) under quarantine with immediate effect. 4) Banning of exportation of poultry and poultry products from the borders of Lesotho. 5) Tracing of contact farms.

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:

 

1. Disinfection and decontamination
2. Official disposal of carcasses.
3. Placing the affected farm and surrounding areas (10 km radius) under quarantine with immediate effect.
4. Banning of exportation of poultry and poultry products from the borders of Lesotho.
5. Tracing of contact farms.

 

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