1. REPUBLIC OF NAMIBIA AVIAN INFLUENZA 7 TO 9 MARCH 2006 PRETORIA

2. 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.

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

4. 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)

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

6. DIAGNOSTICS  Directorate of Veterinary Services have standing arrangement with Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute to process samples & do final diagnosis on Transboundary Animal Diseases.  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 !

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

8. PRE-OUTBREAK PROCEDURES  Ostrich sero-surveillance since 2000.  Samples: 10% in flocks < 500 birds, 5% in flocks > 500 birds.  Results: Neg. for AI subtypes H5 and H7, and neg. for Newcastle Disease.  National multi-sectoral Av. Infl. Task Force: OPM, DVS, MoHSS, MET, MoD, MoF&MR, FAO, WHO, UN.  Farmer & Public awareness campaigns.  Training of professionals, special attention to poultry.

9. 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.

10. BUDGET FOR NAMIBIA  Pre-epidemic phase: funds available on Namibian recurrent budget = US$ 31 000.  Pre-epidemic phase: funds needed US$ 100 000  Pandemic / Epidemic phase: funds needed US$ 1.6 mil  TOTAL funds needed: US$ 1.7 mil

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