THE government has lifted the ban on the importation of chickens and all poultry products, assuring local farmers that the avian influenza that hit the country between May and June, killing scores of chickens countrywide is currently under control.

Speaking at a media briefing that was held in Maseru on Tuesday, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Likopo Mahase apologised to the farmers for the inconvenience caused by the ban, saying they could now resume trading with their South African partners.

He said between May and June, the disease among others hit two major poultry farms in Ha Penapena, Maseru and Sebothoane in Leribe where a total of about 500 000 chickens were disposed of, to curb the spread of the virus.
The virus had initially hit most parts of the South Africa, which is Lesotho’s major supplier of poultry chickens and products.

The Director General of Veterinary Services in the ministry of agriculture, Dr Relebohile Mahloane said the disease has such an acute impact on the poultry farming industry that it quickly spreads within days of breaking out.

He said across the country, there are no reported cases of human to human infections, adding however that there are cases of chicken to human infections which he said need serious monitoring as they can spread further.