REPUBLIC OF NAMIBIA AVIAN INFLUENZA 7 TO 9

REPUBLIC OF NAMIBIA AVIAN INFLUENZA 7 TO 9 MARCH 2006 PRETORIA

Migratory wild birds § Wetland & coastal species: 200 000 to 400 000 birds migrate to Namibia. Come from northern hemisphere. § Terrestrial species: 2 to 5 mill. birds migrate to Namibia. Main breeding areas in Eurasia.

LIVESTOCK FARMING SYSTEMS w Namibia poultry population = 958 000. w Majority: small numbers at household level = 744 000 poultry w Commercial poultry farms = 214 000 poultry. w Commercial ostriches = 15 000

TRADE: BIRDS / POULTRY 2005 Bird imports: § 180 370 Pullets (young hens at point of lay). § 18 400 Day old chickens. § 801 pigeons, doves, parrots. § Total = 199 571 Poultry exports: None (We eat ‘em all)

HUMAN RESOURCES w Ministry of Health & Social Services and the Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Forestry have staff shortage. w Magnitude of outbreak will determine whether Namibian staff can cope with situation. w If a single outbreak can be contained at origin, staff can control. w Large outbreak and / or spread of disease will require international assistance.

DIAGNOSTICS w Directorate of Veterinary Services have standing arrangement with Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute to process samples & do final diagnosis on Transboundary Animal Diseases. w Ministry of Health and Social Services need to send human samples to CDC in Atlanta, Georgia, USA: results available after 7 working days. Possible assistance from S. A. will be appreciated ! Global shortage on antiviral drugs for humans !

INFRASTRUCTURE w Veterinary laboratory can do ELISA tests pending availability of funds. Final diagnosis by Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute. w Human samples to be dispatched by Namibian National Institute of Pathology to USA for diagnosis. w Communication: internet, e-mail, phones, faxes, pamphlets, roads, vehicles, newspapers, radio and TV available.

PRE-OUTBREAK PROCEDURES § Ostrich sero-surveillance since 2000. § Samples: 10% in flocks < 500 birds, 5% in flocks > 500 birds. § Results: Neg. for AI subtypes H 5 and H 7, and neg. for Newcastle Disease. w National multi-sectoral Av. Infl. Task Force: OPM, DVS, Mo. HSS, MET, Mo. D, Mo. F&MR, FAO, WHO, UN. w Farmer & Public awareness campaigns. w Training of professionals, special attention to poultry.

OUTBREAK SITUATION: Contingency Plan (Response Plan) Comprehensive document regarding: § Nature of disease & zoonosis. § Legislation, training, awareness campaigns. § Chain of command, experts & committees. § Health monitoring of staff / farmers, antiviral drugs, protective clothing, disinfectants. § Field equipment, samples, Lab. procedures. § Carcass destruction, compensation.

BUDGET FOR NAMIBIA w Pre-epidemic phase: funds available on Namibian recurrent budget = US$ 31 000. w Pre-epidemic phase: funds needed US$ 100 000 w Pandemic / Epidemic phase: funds needed US$ 1. 6 mil w TOTAL funds needed: US$ 1. 7 mil

END ACKNOWLEDGMENTS w Dr. J. Vries & Ms. L. De Wee: Ministry of Health and Social Services. w Dr. A. Bishi & Mrs G. Tjipura. Zaire: Directorate of Veterinary Services. PRESENTED BY Dr. Frans Joubert DIRECTORATE OF VETERINARY SERVICES NAMIBIA