14 March 2024, 08:30 hours; Rome
Situation: High pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) virus (H5, H5N1, H5N2, H5N6, H5N8, H7 and H7N6 subtypes) with pandemic potential in countries of Sub-Saharan Africa since February 2017.
Confirmed countries (H5): South Africa*
Confirmed countries (H5N1): Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Réunion (France), Gambia, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Lesotho, Mali, Mauritania, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, and Togo.
Confirmed countries (H5N2): Nigeria, South Africa.
Confirmed countries (H5N6): Nigeria.
Confirmed countries (H5N8): Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.
Confirmed countries (H7): Mozambique*
Confirmed countries (H7N6): South Africa*
Animal/environmental findings: 6 new events since the last update on 8 February 2024.
Number of human cases: 0 new events since last update (Last reported case 10 November 2021).
*Countries reporting cases in current wave (since 1 October 2023).
Map. Officially reported HPAI outbreaks (H5, H5N1, H5N2, H7 and H7N6 subtypes) in sub-Saharan Africa, by onset date (1 October 2023 to date)
Note: Map A shows confirmed HPAI events observed from 1 October to 14 March 2024 (current wave).
Map B shows HPAI events observed from 1 October 2022 to 30 September 2023 (previous wave).
Table. High pathogenicity avian influenza events reported in animals since 1 October 2023 (i.e. current wave)
Virus | Country (administrative regions affected) | Last event observed | #Events since last update | Total #events since 1 October 2023 | Species affected since the last update or during the last observed events |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5 | South Africa | 11/01/2024 | 2 | 21 | Commercial ostrich, poultry, Jackass Penguin |
H5N1
| Nigeria | 27/02/2024 | 3 | 3 | Geese, Captive peacocks |
Burkina Faso | 01/03/2024 | 1 | 1 | Poultry | |
H7 | Mozambique | 29/09/2023 | 0 | 1 | Layer chicken |
H7N6 | South Africa | 18/12/2023 | 0 | 65 | Domestic poultry and domestic non-poultry birds |
For a summary of H5N1, H5N6, and H5N8 HPAI events reported in sub-Saharan African countries in previous waves (i.e. before 1 October 2023) please contact EMPRES-Animal Health
Olawuyi, K., Orole, O., Meseko, C., Monne, I., Shittu, I., Bianca, Z., Fusaro, A., et al. 2024. The Public Health Importance and Management of Infectious Poultry Diseases in Smallholder Systems in Africa. Influenza Other Respir Viruses, 18(2):e13254. [reference]. The introduction of multiple avian influenza virus (AIV) subtypes into Nigeria has resulted in several poultry outbreaks purportedly linked to trade and wild birds. The role of wild birds in perpetuating AIV in Nigeria was elucidated in this new paper. Using a cross-sectional study among wild aquatic bird species at the Hadejia-Nguru wetlands in Northeastern Nigeria between March and April 2022, a total of 452 swabs (226 cloacae and 226 oropharyngeal) were collected using a mist net to capture the birds and tested by RT-qPCR and sequenced. Highly pathogenic AIV of the H5N1 subtype was identified in clinically healthy wild bird species, namely, African jacana, ruff, spur-winged goose, squared-tailed nightjar, white-faced whistling ducks, and white stork with an overall prevalence of 11.1% (25/226). Phylogenetic analysis of the complete HA gene segment indicated the presence of clade 2.3.4.4b. However, these H5N1 viruses characterized from these wild birds cluster separately from the H5N1 viruses characterized in Nigerian poultry since early 2021, thus forming two distinct genetic groups, both linked with the Eurasian H5N1 gene pool, possibly with two distinct introductions of the virus in the region. Whole-genome characterization revealed the presence of mammalian adaptive marker E627K in two Afro-tropical resident aquatic ducks with potential zoonotic implication. This study contributes to continuous need for surveillance in wild birds, foundations for epidemiological basis of AIV and risk assessment.
Monjane, I. V. A., Djedje, H., Tamele, E., Nhabomba, V., Tivane, A. R., Massicame, Z. E., Arone, D. M., Pastori, A., Bortolami, A., Monne, I., Woma, T., Lamien, C. E. & Dundon, W. G. 2024. H7N6 highly pathogenic avian influenza in Mozambique, 2023. Emerging Microbes & Infections, 13, (1). [reference]. In this paper, the recent outbreak of avian influenza, which occur in Mozambique was elaborated. On 13 October 2023, the National Directorate for Livestock Development in Mozambique was notified of a suspected outbreak of avian influenza in commercial layers. Samples were screened by real-time and conventional RT–PCR and were positive for both H7 and N6. Full genome sequences were obtained for three representative samples. Sequence analysis of the H7 cleavage site confirmed that the viruses were highly pathogenic (i.e. 333- PEPPKGPRFRR/GLF-346). In addition, the H7 and N6 sequences were highly similar (from 99.4-99.5% and 99.6-99.7% for the HA gene and the NA gene, respectively) to the sequences of a H7N6 virus identified in the Republic of South Africa in May 2023 indicating a similar origin of the viruses. The identification of H7N6 HPAIV in Mozambique has important implications for disease management and food security in the region.
Sanogo, I.N., Guinat, C., Dellicour, S., Diakité, M.A., Niang, M., Koita, O.A., Camus, C. & Ducatez, M. 2024. Genetic insights of H9N2 avian influenza viruses circulating in Mali and phylogeographic patterns in Northern and Western Africa. Virus Evolution, 10(1):veae011. [reference]. The genetic characteristics and diffusion patterns of the H9N2 virus remain poorly understood in Western Africa, mainly due to limited surveillance activities. To better understand the genetic characteristics and spatio-temporal dynamics of H9N2 virus within this region, we carried out a comprehensive genetic characterization of H9N2 viruses collected through active surveillance in live bird markets in Mali between 2021 and 2022, and performed a continuous phylogeographic analysis to unravel the dispersal history of H9N2 lineages between Northern and Western Africa. The analysis revealed a single and significant long-distance lineage dispersal event of the H9N2 virus to Western Africa, likely to have originated from Morocco in 2015, shaping the westward diffusion of the H9N2 virus.
Glazunova, A., Krasnova, E., Bespalova, T., Sevskikh, T., Lunina, D., Titov, I., Sindryakova, I. & Blokhin, A. 2024. A highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4 detected in Samara Oblast, Russian Federation. Front Vet Sci, 11 – 2024. [reference]. Avian influenza (AI) is a global problem impacting birds and mammals. The territory of the Russian Federation has had multiple outbreaks of AI since 2020, both among domestic bird species and wild bird species. Wild migratory birds often serve as natural reservoirs for AI viruses, and interactions between bird species can lead to the emergence of new, highly pathogenic variants through genetic recombination between strains. In this work, monitoring studies were conducted in the Samara Oblast, the southeastern region of European Russian Federation in order to combat the widespread outbreaks of the disease and potential risks of further spread in 2021. These studies diagnosed and characterized circulating AI virus variants among wild migratory birds during waterfowl hunting in areas of mass nesting. Among the 98 shot birds, a highly pathogenic A/H5N1 AI virus was detected in a Eurasian Teal from the Bolshechernigovsky district. It was classified into clade 2.3.4.4 based on the cleavage site structure of HA. Phylogenetic analysis showed a high relatedness of the identified strain in the Samara Oblast with field isolates from Russia, Nigeria, Bangladesh, and Benin. The work emphasizes the importance of monitoring AI virus spread in both wild and poultry, and highlighted the need for timely information exchange to assess risks, especially on the need to understand virus dissemination pathways. This virus from the Russian Federation is closely related to the one isolated from Benin Republic.
Olawuyi, K., Orole, O., Meseko, C., Monne, I., Shittu, I., Bianca, Z., Fusaro, A., et al. 2024. The Public Health Importance and Management of Infectious Poultry Diseases in Smallholder Systems in Africa. Influenza Other Respir Viruses, 18(2):e13254. [reference]
Monjane, I. V. A., Djedje, H., Tamele, E., Nhabomba, V., Tivane, A. R., Massicame, Z. E., Arone, D. M., Pastori, A., Bortolami, A., Monne, I., Woma, T., Lamien, C. E. & Dundon, W. G. 2024. H7N6 highly pathogenic avian influenza in Mozambique, 2023. Emerging Microbes & Infections, 13, (1). [reference]
Sanogo, I.N., Guinat, C., Dellicour, S., Diakité, M.A., Niang, M., Koita, O.A., Camus, C. & Ducatez, M. 2024. Genetic insights of H9N2 avian influenza viruses circulating in Mali and phylogeographic patterns in Northern and Western Africa. Virus Evolution, 10(1):veae011. [reference]
Glazunova, A., Krasnova, E., Bespalova, T., Sevskikh, T., Lunina, D., Titov, I., Sindryakova, I. & Blokhin, A. 2024. A highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4 detected in Samara Oblast, Russian Federation. Front Vet Sci, 11 – 2024. [reference]
Grace, D., Knight-Jones, T. J., Melaku, A., Alders, R. & Jemberu, W. T. 2024. The Public Health Importance and Management of Infectious Poultry Diseases in Smallholder Systems in Africa. Foods, 13(3), 411. [reference]
Kenmoe, S., Takuissu, G.R., Ebogo-Belobo, J.T., Kengne-Ndé, C., Mbaga, D.S., Bowo-Ngandji, A. & Ondigui Ndzie, J.L. et al. 2024. A systematic review of influenza virus in water environments across human, poultry, and wild bird habitats. Water Res X, 22:100210. [reference]
Roberts, L.C., Abernethy, D., Roberts, D.G., Ludynia, K., O'Kennedy, M.M., Abolnik, C. 2023. Vaccination of African penguins (Spheniscus demersus) against high-pathogenicity avian influenza.Vet Rec, e3616. [reference]
Abolnik, C. 2023. Spillover of an endemic avian Influenza H6N2 chicken lineage to ostriches and reassortment with clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 high pathogenicity viruses in chickens. Vet Res Commun. [reference]
Fagrach, A., Arbani, O., Karroute, O., El-Ftouhy, F.Z., Kichou, F., Bouslikhane, M., Fellahi, S. 2023. Prevalence of major infectious diseases in backyard chickens from rural markets in Morocco. Vet World, 16(9):1897-1906. [reference]
Meseko, C., Ameji, N.O., Kumar, B. & Culhane, M. 2023. Rational approach to vaccination against highly pathogenic avian influenza in Nigeria: a scientific perspective and global best practice. Arch Virol, 168(10):263. [reference]
Agha, A.S.K., Benlashehr, I., Naffati, K.M., Bshina, S.A. & Khashkhosha, A.A. 2023. Correlation of avian influenzaH9N2 with high mortality in broiler flocks in the southwest of Tripoli, Libya. Open Vet J, 13(6):715-722. [reference].
Bongono, E.F., Kaba, L., Camara, A., Touré, A., Ngoma, M.P., Yanogo, P.K., Kanyala, E. & SOW A. 2023. Évaluation de la biosécurité et facteurs associés à l'influenza aviaire dans les fermes avicoles de Coyah, Guinée, 2019-2020. Med Trop Sante Int. 2023 3(2):25. [reference].
Isibor, P.O., Onwaeze, O.O., Kayode-Edwards, I.I., Agbontaen, D.O., Ifebem-Ezima, A.M., Bilewu, O., Onuselogu, C., Akinniyi, A.P., Obafemi, Y.D. & Oniha, M.I. 2023. Investigating and combatting the key drivers of viral zoonoses in Africa: an analysis of eight epidemics. Braz J Biol, 84:e270857. [reference]
Lebarbenchon, C., Boucher, S., Feare, C., Dietrich, M., Larose, C., Humeau, L., Le Corre, M. & Jaeger, A. 2023. Migratory patterns of two major influenza virus host species on tropical islands. R Soc Open Sci, 10(10):230600. [reference]
Jbenyeni, A., Croville, G., Cazaban, C. & Guérin, J.L. 2023. Predominance of low pathogenic avian influenza virus H9N2 in the respiratory co-infections in broilers in Tunisia: a longitudinal field study, 2018-2020. Vet Res, 54(1):88. [reference]
Alhaji, N.B., Adeiza, A.M., Godwin, E.A., Haruna, A.E., Aliyu, M.B. & Odetokun, I.A. 2023. An assessment of the highly pathogenic avian influenza resurgence at human-poultry-environment interface in North-central Nigeria: Sociocultural determinants and One Health implications. One health, 16:100574 [reference]
Miller, LmNm, Elmselati, H., Fogarty, A.S., Farhat, M.E., Standley, C.J., Abuabaid, H.M. & Zorgani, A. 2023. Using One Health assessments to leverage endemic disease frameworks for emerging zoonotic disease threats in Libya. PLOS Glob Public Health, 3(7):e0002005 [reference]
Abolnik, C., Phiri, T., Peyrot, B., de Beer, R., Snyman, A., Roberts, D., Ludynia, K. et al. 2023. The Molecular Epidemiology of Clade 2.3.4.4B H5N1 High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza in Southern Africa, 2021–2022. Viruses, 15(6):1383. [reference]
Meseko, C., Milani, A., Inuwa, B., Chinyere, C., Shittu, I., Ahmed, J., Giussani, E. et al. 2023. The Evolution of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A (H5) in Poultry in Nigeria, 2021–2022. Viruses,15:1387. [reference]
Nma Bida Alhaji, Abdulrahman Musa Adeiza, Enid Abutu Godwin, Aliyu Evuti Haruna, Mohammed Baba Aliyu and Ismail Ayoade Odetokun. 2023. An assessment of the highly pathogenic avian influenza resurgence at human-poultry-environment interface in North-central Nigeria: Sociocultural determinants and One Health implications. One Health, 16:100574. [reference]
Lo, F.T., Zecchin, B., Diallo, A.A., Racky, O., Tassoni, L., Diop, A., Diouf, M., Diouf, M., Samb, Y.N., Pastori, A., Gobbo, F., Ellero, F., Diop, M., Lo, M.M., Diouf, M.N., Fall, M., Ndiaye, A.A., Gaye, A.M., Badiane, M., Lo, M., Youm, B.N., Ndao, I., Niaga, M., Terregino, C., Diop, B., Ndiaye, Y., Angot, A., Seck, I., Niang, M., Soumare, B., Fusaro, A. & Monne, I. 2022. Intercontinental Spread of Eurasian Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) to Senegal. Emerg Infect Dis. 28(1):234-237. [reference]
Panzarin, V., Marciano, S., Fortin, A., Brian, I., D'Amico, V., Gobbo, F., Bonfante, F., Palumbo, E., Sakoda, Y., Le, K.T., Chum D.H., Shittu, I., Meseko, C., Haido, A.M., Odoom, T., Diouf, M.N., Djegui, F., Steensels, M., Terregino, C. & Monne, I. 2022. Redesign and Validation of a Real-Time RT-PCR to Improve Surveillance for Avian Influenza Viruses of the H9 Subtype. Viruses. 14(6):1263. [reference]
Benin:
Burkina Faso:
Côte d’Ivoire:
Democratic Republic of the Congo:
Ethiopia:
Gabon:
Gambia:
Ghana:
Guinea:
Kenya:
Liberia:
Mali:
Mozambique:
Niger:
Nigeria:
Senegal:
Sierra Leone:
Somalia:
South Sudan:
Togo:
Uganda:
Zambia:
ECTAD ESA
ECTAD WCA
Burkina Faso:
Ethiopia:
Gabon:
Ghana:
Liberia
Mali:
Niger:
Nigeria:
Senegal:
Sierra Leone:
Information provided herein is current as of the date of issue. Information added or changed since the last Sub-Saharan HPAI situation update appears in orange. For poultry cases with unknown onset dates, reporting dates were used instead. FAO compiles information communicated by field officers on the ground in affected countries, from regional offices, and from the World Organisation for Animal Health [WOAH], as well as peer-reviewed scientific articles. FAO makes every effort to ensure, but does not guarantee, accuracy, completeness or authenticity of the information. The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on these map(s) do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of FAO concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers and boundaries. Dashed lines on maps represent approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement.
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