WINDHOEK, Jan. 22 (Xinhua) -- Over 200 wild birds along the Namibian coast had been found dead as a result of a suspected avian influenza outbreak, authorities said Friday.
A branch of Namibia's Directorate of Veterinary Services (DYS), under the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR), received the report of dead wild birds on Jan. 13, the DYS said in a statement.
"Live sick birds were also observed showing clinical signs such as tremors, shivering, staggering movements and swollen heads. Some sick birds showed signs of tameness and reluctance to flee from humans," MAWLR Chief Veterinarian Officer Albertina Shilongo said.
Samples have been collected and sent to Namibia's Central Veterinary Laboratory for confirmation and the results are pending, she said, adding that the source of infection is suspected to be wild migratory birds.
Shilongo also urged the public not to handle the sick or dead birds, nor to consume products made from these birds. ■