Maseru, Nov. 21 – The ban of poultry products from South Africa (SA) still stands but borders are open for the import of these products from other countries.

This was said by a member of the newly formed task force team and also the Ministry of Agriculture Director Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety Dr. Masentle Seeiso in an interview with the Agency, following speculations that one of the local franchises will open soon as it will import chicken from Malawi.

Dr. Seeiso emphasised that a formal announcement will be made regarding the import of poultry products particularly chicken as the country is lobbying to partner with other countries such as Eswatini.

She also clarified that the government has given a green light for local companies to apply for transit permits from South Africa for the import of such products from other countries.

Meanwhile a task force team, which will oversee and address the prevailing challenge of banning poultry products from South Africa (SA) into the country due to bird flu was established a few weeks ago.

The team was established after local franchises and some farmers raised concern over the ban of poultry products from SA, adding that their businesses have negatively been affected.

In addition, the franchises proposed that the government must allow them to import chicken from other foreign countries except SA.

Reports indicate that aninfectious bird flu struck several provinces in South Africa, affecting major chicken farms