Mozambique has reported an outbreak of bird flu at a hen farm in the country’s south, the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) said on Wednesday. The virus, identified as the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain, killed 4,000 birds and led to the culling of 36,000 more at the farm in Maputo province.
This is the first time Mozambique has detected bird flu since 2017 when it reported an outbreak of the H5N8 strain that affected ostriches and chickens. The source of the current outbreak is unknown, but the OIE said it could be linked to contact with wild birds or illegal movement of poultry products.
Bird flu is a serious threat to both domestic and wild birds, as it can spread rapidly and cause high mortality rates. It can also infect humans and other animals, although this is rare. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 862 confirmed human cases of H5N1 infection have occurred since 2003, resulting in 455 deaths.
The OIE and the WHO have urged countries to strengthen their surveillance and control measures to prevent the spread of bird flu and protect public health. They have also advised people to avoid contact with sick or dead birds and to cook poultry products thoroughly before consumption.
The bird flu outbreak in Mozambique comes amid a resurgence of the virus in several world regions, including Europe, Asia, and Africa. In recent months, outbreaks have been reported in countries such as France, Germany, India, Nigeria, and Senegal. Some of these outbreaks have involved new virus variants that pose a higher risk of transmission and adaptation.
The impact of bird flu on the poultry industry and wildlife conservation is significant, as it can cause economic losses, food insecurity, and biodiversity loss. However, there are also efforts to contain the disease and support the affected communities. For example, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has provided technical assistance and resources to help countries respond to bird flu outbreaks and improve their preparedness.
Source: Reuters
