Zimbabwe has banned imports of poultry and ostrich after confirming an outbreak of avian influenza, veterinary officials said on Friday. The outbreak was detected during routine checks last month at two ostrich farms in the western Matabeleland province, said Dr Stuart Hargreaves, head of the Agriculture Ministry's veterinary services unit.Tests confirmed the presence of the H5N2 strain, regarded as less dangerous than the H5N1 variety that has ravaged chicken farms across Asia and killed at least 71 people since 2003. Neighbouring South Africa suffered a similar outbreak last year, and led to the culling of 26 400 birds at 37 farms, but Hargreaves said no culling was needed in Zimbabwe.
As cautionary measures, the two farms were quarantined and exports were suspended on November 29. The ban comes at a time of economic crisis in Zimbabwe, blamed on drought and the often violent seizure of thousands of white-owned commercial farms for redistribution to black people.
Zimbabwe has an estimated 40 000 ostriches bred in captivity for exports of low-cholesterol meat and leather used in luxury clothing items, bags and vehicle interiors. Its poultry breeders mostly export live chicks and eggs to neighboring countries.