Public cooperation key in preventing H5N1 spread 

Precautionary measures are being taken to prevent the spread of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1) following the official confirmation of an outbreak on 13 December in Lüderitz.


Surveillance activities are being conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, and the movement of live birds (domestic and wild) and their products from coastal areas of the //Karas Region has been prohibited, except for imported and in-transit consignments. A roadblock will be put up at the exit and entry point of the town to enforce this aspect. Residents, visitors and tourists visiting Lüderitz are also strongly advised to avoid any contact with sick or dead birds they come across.


Dead birds - The disposal of dead birds must take place under the supervision of veterinary or health officials. Farmers and members of the public are called to immediately report any suspected cases or unusual bird mortalities to the nearest State Veterinary Office or designated veterinary officials in the //Karas and Erongo regions. “If anybody sees any bird behaving suspiciously, please contact somebody who knows how to handle the situation. Don't put it in a box to take it to the vet. Leave it. Don't pick it up," urged Dr Annamie Lourence, a state veterinarian based in Keetmanshoop, who visited the harbour town to provide some background information and an update on the unfolding situation. Dr Lourence emphasised that it is very important that this message should be conveyed to children in particular because they are on school holiday. “Children are playing on the beach and even in the streets. When they see a bird which cannot fly, running around, flapping the wings, they think, shame, we have to rescue this bird and pick it up,” she said.


Common disease - Dr Lourence explained that H5N1 is quite a common disease, characterised by the sudden onset of severe illness and rapid death. “So usually, you will find the birds dead. The virus can be spread through direct contact or contaminated surfaces. It can also spread to mammals. This means humans can be infected as well as cats and dogs. The virus can spread through touching infected birds, or if you walk around on Mercury Island and it is on your clothes, it can spread like that as well.” She pointed out that the virus is a zoonosis, and humans can be affected when they handle an infected bird. ‘This can occur through your eyes, through your nose, or your mouth, or when you handle poultry products from a flock that might be positive for avian influenza. Usually you can get mild symptoms where you have pink eyes, fatigue, coughing and fever. It can be very severe as well, like pneumonia, respiratory failure, and infected persons can even experience unconsciousness and seizures and bleeding from the nose, gums, and abdominal pain,” Dr Lourence said.


Outbreak confirmed - The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, through its Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), confirmed that a zoonotic strain of bird flu, which can also infect humans, was detected in wild birds in the area of the harbour town. According to the ministry, samples were collected from a sick common tern found in a residential area of Lüderitz and tested positive for the H5N1 strain at the Central Veterinary Laboratory in Windhoek on 10 December 2025. Approximately 30 wild birds showing symptoms consistent with highly pathogenic avian influenza have subsequently been observed on Mercury Island near Lüderitz. Another bird collected at the lagoon in the harbour town was also sent for tests. The source of the infection is suspected to be migratory birds.