NIGERIA – The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has reported new outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Nigeria and Denmark, marking a fresh escalation in the ongoing battle against the H5N1 virus in the global poultry industry. 

The H5N1 virus is highly pathogenic in birds, resulting in swift and often uncontrollable outbreaks. 

In many instances, these outbreaks are exacerbated by the interaction between domestic poultry and wild birds, the latter serving as reservoirs for the virus. 

This interaction facilitates the virus’s spread across borders, with wild birds migrating and infecting previously unaffected regions. 

The risk of widespread outbreaks becomes particularly acute in areas where poultry farms are densely concentrated and biosecurity measures are lacking.

The latest reports, published on September 11, 2024, confirm that the H5N1 variant has been detected in poultry flocks in these two countries, with devastating consequences.

In Nigeria, a poultry farm in Ugbeyiyi saw the complete loss of a flock of 1,590 birds. This is part of a much larger national toll, as Nigeria has now lost more than 2.4 million birds to HPAI, significantly impacting its poultry production sector. 

Meanwhile, the virus was confirmed in Denmark at a poultry holding in Vester Ulslev, where 3,500 ducks and 2,800 hens were exposed. 

Following the sudden death of 200 birds, authorities conducted tests that verified the presence of H5N1, and a 3-kilometre protection zone and a 10-kilometre surveillance zone have been set up around the affected farm. 

All remaining birds are currently being culled, and the carcasses will be processed through rendering.

In August, the Joint FAO/OIE/WHO Preliminary Risk Assessment, issued in response to similar outbreaks, underscores the ongoing global concern surrounding the H5N1 virus. 

The assessment highlights the growing threat that H5N1 poses to the poultry industry and public health. 

Since its emergence, the virus has caused severe economic losses wherever it spreads. Outbreaks lead to mass culling, trade restrictions, and a decline in consumer confidence in poultry products.

One of the most concerning aspects of H5N1 is its potential to mutate and increase its transmissibility to humans. 

While human cases of H5N1 infection are rare, those that do occur often result in severe respiratory illness with a high mortality rate.

This has made continuous virus surveillance crucial, as scientists seek to monitor any genetic changes that might heighten the risk of human infection.

The joint risk assessment by FAO, OIE, and WHO calls for a coordinated global response to mitigate the risks posed by H5N1. 

Key recommendations include enhanced surveillance systems, strengthening biosecurity protocols, and developing more effective vaccines. 

It also advocates for international cooperation to ensure that affected regions receive the necessary support to combat the virus and manage its economic fallout.

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