Botswana bans poultry imports from SA

The ban follows the discovery of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (Bird Flu) in a broiler breeder site in Mpumalanga province last week.  The Bird Flu is a rapidly spreading viral disease that can infect many types of birds and it is highly contagious. It exists naturally in many birds and can be transmitted by coming into contact with infected animals or through ingestion of infected food or water.

The Minister of Agriculture Development and Food Security, Patrick Ralotsia told Mmegi Business yesterday that the ban was a precautionary measure to prevent the importation of the disease into the country where the industry is near self-sufficiency.