Avian flu crisis grips Nigeria, Togo as deadly outbreaks decimate poultry flocks

NIGERIA – A resurgence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is wreaking havoc on poultry farms in Nigeria and Togo, reigniting fears among farmers and raising alarms across the region’s agricultural sector.

In March, Nigeria’s veterinary authority confirmed four new outbreaks of the H5N1 virus serotype. The most severe outbreak struck Olam Farm and Hatchery in Kaduna state, killing nearly 2,200 of the 34,000 birds before authorities culled the rest to curb transmission. 

Within days, additional outbreaks were reported in neighboring Zamfara and Kano states, affecting more than 8,000 birds in commercial and backyard settings.

The outbreaks are part of a prolonged crisis in Nigeria. Since December 2020, the country has recorded 475 HPAI outbreaks, impacting over 2.47 million birds. The recurring waves have dealt heavy blows to poultry producers and the broader economy. 

“The economic toll has been devastating,” said one poultry association spokesperson. “Despite culling and containment efforts, the virus keeps resurfacing.”

Avian flu cases in Togo resurface

Togo is facing its own HPAI resurgence after seven months of disease-free status. Four outbreaks struck poultry farms in the Central and Maritime regions between mid-February and mid-March. 

The first killed 80% of a flock of 2,928 hens, while later cases affected farms with over 5,000 birds combined. Notably, one outbreak occurred less than ten kilometers from the Benin border, raising fears of regional spread.

Beyond West Africa, HPAI continues to surface globally. In September 2024, the virus was detected for the first time in the British Overseas Territory of St. Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha, where dead seabirds on Gough Island tested positive, pointing to the role of migratory birds in transmission.

Egypt also reported four outbreaks between November and December 2024, impacting 5,712 birds across four governorates. The Egyptian government responded with aggressive vaccination campaigns, administering doses to nearly 360,000 poultry.

Since the latest HPAI wave began in October 2024, only Nigeria and Niger have reported confirmed outbreaks among chickens in sub-Saharan Africa. 

Nigeria has recorded 14 outbreaks in the last five months, while Niger confirmed one. However, experts warn that the limited number of reports does not reflect the full threat.

“The small number of reported cases should not create a false sense of security,” said an FAO official. “The virus remains a persistent danger to poultry farming and food security.”

Health and agriculture authorities urge poultry farmers to adopt strict biosecurity protocols, including regular disinfection, vaccination programs, and immediately reporting suspicious bird deaths. Rapid response remains key to containment.

As HPAI continues its spread across borders and ecosystems, the need for international cooperation and vigilant monitoring grows ever more urgent.

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