WINDHOEK, July 10 (Xinhua) -- Namibia's Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry was on Wednesday honoured with an award from the African Union Inter-Africa Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) for being consistent in submitting regular and timely reports on the animal health situation in Namibia.

Namibia has also been consistent in maintaining a good record of reporting on animal health.

Speaking in the National Assembly, Agriculture Minister Alpheus Naruseb said Namibia has for the past five years been consistent in submitting up to date reports.

"Animal health reports are important to ensure transparency in the regional and global animal disease situation, encouraging international solidarity in the control of animal diseases and disseminating veterinary scientific information," Naruseb said.

According to AU rules, each member state is expected to report the animal disease it detects on its territory by sending reports to the IBAR.

The AU-IBAR is a technical body of the African Union Commission that provides leadership in the development of animal resources for Africa by supporting and empowering the AU member states and the regional economic communities to achieve their goals of an Africa free from hunger and poverty in which animal resources make a significant contribution in the global arena.