WORLD – The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has confirmed recent outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in poultry populations in Denmark and Nigeria.
On September 11, 2024, the organization disclosed new cases involving the H5N1 strain of the virus in both countries.
In Denmark, the presence of HPAI was detected at a poultry farm located in Vester Ulslev.
The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration reported a clinical suspicion of the disease on September 8.
The affected farm houses approximately 3,500 ducks and 2,800 hens.
Of the 6,300 birds on site, 200 have succumbed to the virus.
National reference laboratory testing confirmed the presence of the H5N1 variant. In response, authorities have established a 3-kilometer protection zone and a 10-kilometer surveillance zone around the affected area.
The infected birds are being culled, and their carcasses will be disposed of through rendering. This outbreak marks the first instance of H5N1 HPAI in Denmark since February.
In Nigeria, a new outbreak was reported in Ugbeyiyi, where an entire flock of 1,590 poultry birds perished in late August.
Subsequent testing confirmed that these birds were infected with the H5N1 strain.
WOAH’s report indicates that Nigeria has lost a staggering 2,410,875 birds due to the H5N1 outbreak.
In a related development, Hong Kong’s Centre for Food Safety (CFS) has recently imposed a suspension on poultry imports from certain regions in France, Poland, and the United States.
This precautionary measure aims to reduce the risk of avian influenza transmission and protect public health.
The decision follows WOAH’s alerts about outbreaks of H5 avian influenza in France’s Morbihan Department, the H5N1 strain in Poland’s Świebodziński District, and the emergence of the virus in Hillsborough County, Florida, USA.
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