H5n8 bird flu
More cases of avian flu reported in WC
The Agriculture Department says seven cases from six different sites across the provincial coastline have tested positive.
Namibia imports the bulk of its poultry from South Africa, but also gets some of its supply from Belgium, Argentina, Brazil and the Netherlands.
An outbreak of the disease gutted the province's poultry industry. However, tests have confirmed the presence of the H5N8 virus in swift terns in some regions.
Since the outbreak in June, 79 cases of the H5N8 virus have been reported nationwide, with 49 in the Western Cape.
Officials confirmed on Thursday morning that avian influenza, otherwise known as bird flu has hit the city.
As farmers grapple with the highly pathogenic outbreak of the H5N8 strain, the sector wants government’s approval to vaccinate.
Thousands of chickens have been culled and their eggs destroyed. Ostriches and other birds are also affected.
Agriculture Minister Senzeni Zokwana said government would consider importing fertile eggs to help close a supply gap due to the culling of thousands of birds.
The virus is highly pathogenic in birds but considered unlikely to infect humans.
Namibians consume an estimated 2,500 tonnes of chicken each month, but the country has only one commercial supplier.
The department says both farms have been quarantined no movement of chicken or chicken products are permitted on or off the farms.
The Agriculture Department has implemented numerous conditions for the sale and trade of live chickens to curb the spread of avian influenza.
By Dr Jack & Curtis.
Vet Deon de Beer says he knew last year that birds were becoming more susceptible to serious viruses such as this one.
A farm in the Free State and two in Mpumalanga have been affected by the virus.
The ban has been put in place by the national Agriculture Department following an outbreak of bird flu in the Free State and Mpumalanga.
The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has banned the sale of live hens to avoid the spread of the contagious H5N8 avian flu.
Earlier on Monday, government announced a ban on the sale of live hens until the department is able to assess the extent of the outbreak.
Officials have emphasised that no humans have been affected.