Namibia bans live birds trade to contain disease outbreak

WINDHOEK, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- The Namibian Agriculture Ministry has banned movement and trading of live birds in Namibia following an outbreak of the New Castle disease in July this year.

In a notice seen by Xinhua Monday, the agriculture ministry confirmed that the contagious bird disease that is transmissible to humans, has been spreading in three regions - Oshana, Ohangwena and Oshikoto - in the north of the country.

The notice also said that although this is not the first time New Castle disease was reported in Namibia, the magnitude of the current outbreak "has not been seen in the country for a long time."