Yesterday leaders from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said the recent spike of H5N1 avian flu outbreaks in western and central Africa demand increased vigilance.
The statement comes 9 days after Cameroon reported H5N1 on 16 poultry farms and markets in May and June. The country is one of six African nations to confirm an outbreak this year. The Cameroon events this year are the first H5N1 outbreaks in central Africa since 2006 and affected more than 34,000 birds. The outbreaks in Cameroon show a southern progression of the virus, the FAO said.
Devastating impact
"We're looking at a quickly spreading disease that has devastating effects on livelihoods in communities," said Abebe Haile Gabriel, FAO deputy regional representative for Africa.
Gabriel said H5N1 causes "additional hardship on already struggling economies." Cameroon is reporting losses of $20 million after recent outbreaks. The FAO estimates that the current avian flu outbreaks in Africa have cost the involved nations billions of dollars in losses.
Other countries that have recently reported H5N1 are Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Niger, and Nigeria. The FAO reported that Nigeria has been the most heavily affected, with more than 750 outbreaks resulting in the death of 3.5 million birds. In its statement, the FAO said it feared avian flu could become endemic in parts of Africa.
Highly pathogenic H5N1 can decimate flocks of poultry, destroying farms, and possibly infecting humans. The FAO is working with the World Health Organization and the World Organization for Animal Health to increase surveillance, raise public awareness of avian flu outbreaks, and boost local veterinary services. The organization said it will raise $20 million to help with these efforts.
H5N1 reported in Egypt
In other avian flu news, Egypt is reporting four outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N1, according to FluTrackers, an infectious disease news message board. The outbreaks are small and located in the northeast region of the country.
The first two outbreaks occurred on Jul 4 in Banha and Shebin El Qanater in Qalyubia governorate. Each reported H5N1 in 10 ducks. On Jul 5, 30 poultry were destroyed in Minya governorate, and on Jul 7 six turkeys were destroyed in Asyut.
See also:
Jul 13 FAO article
Jul 14 FluTrackers post
