Animal health

Sub-Saharan Africa HPAI situation update

9 October 2025, 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 (HxNx/H5): South Africa
Confirmed countries (H5N1): Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Réunion (France), Gambia, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Lesotho, Mali, Mauritania, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa* and Togo.
Confirmed countries (H5N2): Nigeria and 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): South Africa.
Confirmed countries (H7N6): South Africa and Mozambique.
Animal findings: 10 new events since the last update on 11 September 2025.
Number of human cases: 
no new event since last update.
*Countries reporting cases in current wave (since 1 October 2024).

Map. Officially reported HPAI outbreaks (H5Nx and H7Nx subtypes) in sub-Saharan Africa, by onset date (1 October 2024 to date)


Map A shows confirmed HPAI events observed from 1 October 2024 to date. Map B shows HPAI events observed from 1 October 2023 to 30 September 2024.

Notes: Refer to the disclaimer available on this webpage for the names and boundaries in this map. Final boundary between the Republic of Sudan and the Republic of South Sudan has not yet been determined. Final status of the Abyei area is not yet determined.
Source: United Nations Geospatial. 2020. Map of the World. [Cited September 2025]. Modified with Emergency Prevention System Global Animal Disease Information System (EMPRES-i), WOAH and National Authorities data, 2025.

Situation update

Table. High pathogenicity avian influenza events reported in animals since the last update on 11 Setpember 2025

VirusCountry (administrative regions affected)Last event observed# events reported since the last updateTotal #events since 1 October 2024Species affected since the last update (orange) and since 1 Oct. 2024 (black)

H5N1

South Africa (Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, North West; Marion Island1)

10/09/2025

10

28

Chicken, Duck, Goose, Peacock, Pigeon, Poultry; Black Goshawk, Cape cormorant, Common Tern, Crowned cormorant, Egyptian goose, Great White Pelican, Grey-headed gull, Hartlaub’s gull, Kelp Gull, Reed cormorant, Sacred ibis, Swift tern, Whimbrel; Brown Skua, King Penguin, Northern Giant Petrel, Southern Giant Petrel, Sooty Albatross, Wandering Albatross1

Data was retrieved from WOAH WAHIS portal and Sharing other important animal health information with WOAH page [link], government websites. ata cutoff time: reported on 9 October 2025, 8:30 CEST. Bold: the first report of infection in the species. The full list of bird and mammalian species affected by H5Nx HPAI are here. For more information, consult dedicated webpage of 1: DFFE, South Africa.

For a summary of H5N1, H5N6, and H5N8 HPAI events reported in sub-Saharan African countries in previous waves (i.e. before 1 October 2024) please contact EMPRES-Animal Health

Peer-reviewed publications

Asante, I.A., Asante-Ntim, N.A., Abankwa, A.A., Ofori, O.B., Boatemaa, L., Kwasah, L., Quarcoo, J.A., et al. 2025. Characterization of the first detected Avian Influenza A(H9N2) human case in Ghana. Emerg Microbes Infect, 2025 Sep 3:2556717. [reference] In Ghana, Avian influenza A(H9N2) has co-circulated among poultry with influenza A (H5N1). This report describes Ghana’s first confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H9N2) virus infection in a two-year-old boy from Upper East Region. Molecular analyses confirmed the virus was of the G1 lineage, closely related to other West African strains, with mammalian adaptive mutations.

Medialdea Carrera, R., Hammond, A., Michel, J.M., Lewis, H., Lee, Y.K., Ezerska, L.A., Williams, G.S., Zhang, W. & AbdelMalik, P. 2025. Coordination and collaboration for strengthening respiratory surveillance at the national level: updates from workshop hosted by the WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence, 24-25 July 2024. BMC Proc, 19(Suppl 23):24. [reference] WHO implemented a project to help national public health professionals identify and address gaps in coordinating multiple surveillance systems for early detection and monitoring of viral respiratory events. A landscape assessment of relevant surveillance activities were conducted in three pilot countries: South Africa, Togo, and the United Republic of Tanzania, followed by national workshops to discuss coordination, collaboration, and strengthening of Public Health Intelligence (PHI) for respiratory surveillance, which highlighted system-specific and cross-cutting challenges and best practices related to respiratory surveillance.

Shittu, I., Cummings, D.B., Groves, J.T., Hagan, A.G. & Gray, G.C. 2025. Low Levels of Neutralizing Antibodies to Influenza A (H5N1) and D Viruses Among Cattle and Cattle Workers on US Farms, 2024-2025. Influenza Other Respir Viruses. 2025 Sep;19(9):e70162. [reference] Given the occupational threats of both IDV and IAV H5N1, the dynamics of antibodies to IAV H5N1 and IDV in farm workers and cattle were assessed as part of our One Health surveillance initiative in the United States and Mexico, between April 2024 and May 2025. We found NAbs to IDV in one of 128 farm worker serum samples (0.8%). Notably, antibodies to IDV were consistently detected in the serum of this worker at every visit. This indicates that NAbs in individuals infected with IDV can persist for more than a year. In the cattle, during the winter of 2024 (third visit), we detected NAbs against IDV exclusively in the beef cattle (Table 1). This study documents a low prevalence of neutralizing antibodies to IAV H5N1 and IDV in both cattle and cattle workers.

Oluwadare, F.A., Inuwa, B., Nicodemus, M., Killo, A.O., Ogunmolawa, O., Darang, A., Igah, O., et al. 2025. Seroreactivity of clandestinely traded avian influenza vaccines in Nigeria. PAMJ-One Health, 17(13). [reference]

Meseko, C., Edet, U.O., Henshaw, O., Mkpuma, N., Olawuyi, K.A. Archibong, C. 2025. Bibliometric analysis of highly pathogenic avian influenza research globally from 2003 to 2023. Germs, 15(1):11-25. [reference]

Pulscher, L.A., Maruschak, L.V., Shittu, I., Alsharif, H. & Gray, G.C. 2025. No Evidence of Novel Respiratory Viruses on Two Texas Dairy Farms Before the H5N1 Avian Influenza Virus Epizootic. Influenza Other Respir Viruses, 19(8): e70146. [reference]

Asante, I.A., Asante-Ntim, N.A., Abankwa, A.A., Ofori, O.B., Boatemaa, L., Kwasah, L., Quarcoo, J.A., et al. 2025. Characterization of the first detected Avian Influenza A(H9N2) human case in Ghana. Emerg Microbes Infect, 2025 Sep 3:2556717. [reference]

Beyit, A.D., Yahya, B., Ebou, M.H. Mekhalla, L.O., Haki, M.L., N’diay, F.B., Baba, D., et al. 2025. Detection and characterization of avian influenza H9N2 in a broiler farm in Mauritania; 2024. Vet Res Commun, 49:272. [reference]

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 Abolnik, C., Phiri, T.P., Strydom, C., Ismail, Z., Jordaan, F., Wannenburg, K., Bisschop, S.P.R. 2025. Molecular and In Vivo Characterization of the High Pathogenicity H7N6 Avian Influenza Virus That Emerged in South African Poultry in 2023. Transbound Emerg Dis, 2024 Nov 8;2024:8878789. [reference]

 Ngom, R.V., Ayissi, G.J., Akoussa, A.M.M., Laconi, A., Jajere, S.M., Zangue, H.A. & Piccirillo, A. 2025. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Efficacy of Biosecurity in Disease Prevention and Control in Livestock Farms in Africa. Transbound Emerg Dis, 2024 Nov 14;2024:8683715. [reference]

 Mahmoud, S.H., Gomaa, M., El Taweel, A., Moatasim, Y., Kamel, M.N., El Sayes, M., Abo Shama, N.M., et al. 2025. Transmission dynamics of avian influenza viruses in Egyptian poultry markets. Npj Viruses, 2(1):25. [reference]

 Akello, W. 2025. Harnessing the power of One Health education to tackle emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) and other global health challenges. One Health Outlook, 7(1): 23. [reference]

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 Monamele, C.G., Njankouo, R.M., Yogne, C.N., Essengue, L.L.M., Bilounga, C.N., Tsafack, D.T., Njifon, H.L.M., Tamoufe, U., Perraut, R. & Njouom, R. 2025. Investigation of influenza A of pandemic potential and MERS-coronavirus in humans in Cameroon. BMC Res. Notes18(1): 133. [reference]

Arbani O, Ducatez MF, Kadja-Wonou M, Salamat F, Kichou F, El Houadfi M, Fellahi S. 2025. Development of an experimental model using cold stress to assess the pathogenicity of two Moroccan AI H9N2 isolates from 2016 and 2022 in commercial broiler chickens. PLoS One, 20(4):e0320666. [reference]

Diaby M, Bangoura ST, Hounmenou CG, Kadio KJO, Touré AB, Bereté K, Bongono EF, Sidibé S, Delamou A, Camara A, Keita AK, Touré A. 2025. Exploratory analysis of poultry workers' knowledge and practices Regarding highly pathogenic avian influenza in Guinea. PLoS One, 20(3):e0320890. [reference]

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Saad, N., Esaki, M., Kojima, I., Khalil, A.M., Osuga, S., Shahein, M.A., Okuya, K., Ozawa, M. & Alhatlani, B.Y. 2024. Phylogenetic Characterization of Novel Reassortant 2.3.4.4b H5N8 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Viruses Isolated from Domestic Ducks in Egypt During the Winter Season 2021-2022. Viruses, 16(11):1655. [reference]

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Sanogo, I.N., Fusade-Boyer, M., Molia, S., Koita, O.A., Camus, C. & Ducatez, M.F. 2024. Identification of risk areas for avian influenza outbreaks in domestic poultry in Mali using the GIS-MCDA approach. Epidemiology and Infection, 152: e45. [reference]

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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, 2021–2022Viruses, 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, 2021–2022Viruses,15:1387. [reference]

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Actions by the countries and/or supported by FAO

Global level
  • OFFLU released the Guidelines for High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza Virus Risk Mitigation in Cattle. [link]
  • Global forum for animal feed and feed regulators was held in FAO Rome on 2-3 October 2025 including presentation by Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Uganda and AU-IBAR. [recording]
  • The second Global Conference on Sustainable Livestock Transformation was held at FAO Rome on 29 September – 1 October [the recording is available at link], recording of some side events are also shared e.g. Biosecurity for a sustainable livestock transformation – a shared responsibility to achieve impact at scale. [link]
  • FAO organized a Global Science, Policy and Private Sector Dialogue ― Tackling High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) Together, in Brazil, on 9-12 September 2025 [link], in hybrid format.
  • OFFLU (WOAH/FAO network of expertise on animal influenza) to contribute information on the genetic and antigenic characteristics of currently circulating avian and swine influenza viruses to the WHO Consultation on the Composition of Influenza Virus Vaccines, which will help inform decisions on updating candidate vaccine viruses (CVVs) for pandemic preparedness.  Related reports are now available. [link1 , link2 , link3 , link4]
Regional level
  • In Eastern Africa, namely Ethiopia, Kenya, and the United Republic of Tanzania, FAO's Farmer Field School (FFS) approach is being utilized to improve on-farm biosecurity, vaccination practices, and links with animal health services in small-scale poultry farms. Across the three countries, 21 FFSs have been implemented with approximately 600 broiler farmers graduating after successful completion of the 18-week school. Impact assessment of FFS on farm productivity, economics, animal health and welfare was conducted to guide efforts to scale up FFS programs within the countries.
  • Under a FAO technical cooperation programme project “Strengthening the prevention and control of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) epizootics in four West African countries” (TCP/SFW/4002), activities have been conducted in Cape Verde, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Togo.
National level

Burkina Faso:

  • From May to August 2025, FAO supported to update mapping of human, animal and environmental health laboratories to strengthen epidemiological surveillance of animal and zoonotic diseases. The map will provide a real-time view of their capacity to respond public health emergencies, including HPAI, effectively, and to carry out strategic analyses to guide the choice of interventions and actions to optimize the diagnostic and surveillance network.
  • From July to August 2025, FAO supported the training of 20 veterinary professionals through In Service Applied Veterinary Epidemiology Training (ISAVET) programme.
  • In August, FAO supported the training of 70 water and forestry officers, including forest rangers and eco-guards, on early warning and reporting animal health information of wildlife populations.
  • From 9 to 12 September 2025, FAO supported the organisation of a national workshop to share key capacities of the International Health Regulations (IHR-2005) and Performance of Veterinary Services (PVS). A roadmap was developed at the end of this workshop to improve collaboration between different sectors in One Health approach.
  • In September 2025, FAO supported the training of 10 wildlife farm promoters on zoonoses, including HPAI.

Burundi:

  • Training for animal health workers in the field and those at the National Veterinary Laboratory on sampling and sample management is planned to improve the collection and secure sample transport to the laboratory. This will enable those trained in bioinformatics at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Morocco to use their new skills in molecular diagnostics and bioinformatics.
  • Also, following the Joint External Evaluation (JEE) indicator R5.1 ‘Risk communication and community collaboration in emergencies’, a structured community feedback mechanism has been established as part of the One Health approach, capitalising on existing experiences, identifying good practices and defining a concerted roadmap. A roadmap has been adopted for the next steps.
  • All these will contribute to the surveillance of animal diseases, including HPAI.

Cote d'Ivoire:

  • The results of the biosecurity assessment in poultry farms and markets in the main poultry farming areas of Agnibilekro and Abidjan to the veterinary services were presented as a part of avian influenza (AI) prevention efforts following initiatives led by FAO. This study also explored the factors influencing the adoption of biosecurity measures and identified corrective actions to be taken.
  • The Government has developed an illustrated guide to biosecurity in poultry farming through the enzootic diseases project supported by FAO. FAO will produce the first batch of copies which will be distributed to poultry farmers.
  • Training in field epidemiology for around 20 veterinary service staff has continued, some of the trainees are working on issues related to AI.

Ghana:

  • In September, FAO supported the training of poultry farmers and veterinary professionals on effective biosecurity practices and compliance with the farm-level biosecurity checklist. Two model farms were identified to serve as demonstration and learning sites and are being supported by FAO to ensure their readiness for upcoming biosecurity demonstrations. In October, FAO will support the training of feed suppliers and waste collectors focusing on reducing the risk of environmental and farm-to-farm contamination. Farmer biosecurity study tours for peer-to-peer knowledge exchange and community awareness campaigns in and around the Ashaiman dam community, including schools to promote safe practices and raise awareness of the risks of contact with wild or dead birds around the dam will be conducted with the support of FAO in November.
  • With support from the Pandemic Fund, FAO procured laboratory reagents and consumables for the diagnosis of Avian Influenza for the veterinary laboratory to enhance early detection capabilities.

Guinea:

  • Active surveillance for HPAI by the veterinary services has been underway since August in high- and very high-risk areas, technically support by FAO. To date, 7 822 samples have been analysed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) at the central veterinary diagnostic laboratory, and none tested positive.
  • The implementation of the Progressive Management Pathway for Terrestrial Animal Biosecurity (PMP-TAB) approach to good biosecurity practices is ongoing on poultry farms in the prefectures of Coyah, Dubréka and Forécariah.

Madagascar:

  • Facing the persistent threat of HPAI and increased circulation of the virus in the region, Madagascar, through the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DSV), commits to updating its contingency plan in order to have a strategic, operational and intersectoral tool. The new plan focuses on three priority areas: Strengthening preventive measures to limit the risks of introducing the virus into national territory; Improving early detection of the disease, at all levels of intervention and in each sector concerned; The optimization of emergency response capacities in case of outbreaks, − to implement a coherent and coordinated response, based on the "One Health" approach, promoting synergy between animal, human and environmental health sectors. To concretize this commitment, a technical workshop was organized from 15 to 18 September 2025, bringing together national experts as well as technical partners, including FAO, lead to the development of a strategic reference document, integrating the prevention strategy, the national monitoring system (including early detection mechanisms), as well as the rapid response plan.

Niger:

  • Since the last outbreaks in January and February, veterinary services have stepped up active surveillance of avian influenza at the decentralised level and at border inspection posts through its epidemiological surveillance network (RESEPI). In addition, a process of digitising data through the national animal health data information platform is being implemented to improve reporting, centralisation and data management for rapid and effective decision-making. Furthermore, One Health focal points, in collaboration with the FAO and WHO, are finalising the development of the REPREP (programme for preparedness and response to zoonotic disease outbreaks, based on the One Health approach), which will include POS on the surveillance and management of avian influenza outbreaks, previously unavailable for joint emergency interventions in the event of an outbreak. In addition, the Ministry of Livestock, in collaboration with the One Health Committee and other partners, will soon launch an awareness campaign on biosecurity measures for stakeholders in the value chain, as well as training in the eight regions for OH community agents on community-based surveillance. Finally, since August 2025, the third cohort of 16 field epidemiologists trained by the University of Tillaberi in field epidemiology for veterinary professionals (ISAVET) with funding from the FAO will strengthen HPAI surveillance in the field.

Nigeria:

  • As follow up to the last outbreak occurred in January 2025, FAO Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD) team has been working with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to monitor the on-farm biosecurity measures e.g. Hygiene, footbath, limited access to farms on the farms previously affected to be able to detect any risk. It has been five months after the last case was culled, and no new case.
  • In view of future HPAI vaccination recommended by the Ministerial Advisory Committee, FAO ECTAD team worked along the Federal Department of Veterinary and Pest Control Services, to develop and apply the biosecurity measures requires for the vaccination on pilot farms.

Senegal:

  • FAO ECTAD Senegal in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, food sovereignty and Livestock is planning to map the poultry farms according to the FAO classification on biosecurity level, aiming to update the map of poultry farms developed in 2022. More than 1 000 poultry farms will be mapped with a dedicated level of Biosecurity. This will enable identification of poultry farms and will facilitate Veterinary Services’ activities such as diseases surveillance, prevention, control and interventions.
  • From 29 September to 3 October, FAO ECTAD Senegal through Fleming Fund project, held a workshop to develop curricula on farmer field school (FFS) focused on biosecurity related to poultry farming. This 5-day workshop brought together (25 participants) experts in poultry farming, veterinary services to promote knowledge sharing in order to adapt the program according to the field needs but also to promote the proper use of antimicrobials to prevent diseases through the implementation of biosecurity measures on poultry farms. The next steps is to use the curricula on biosecurity training for poultry farmers in order to scale up the biosecurity and good practice in poultry farming.

Sierra Leone:

  • FAO ECTAD is working with ministries of Agriculture and Environment to further collect samples in selected referral hubs (Bombali, Western Rural and Western Urban districts), to strengthen active disease surveillance including HPAI, supported by the Fleming Fund Phase 2.

The United Republic of Tanzania:

  • On the efforts for prevention of the emergence and spread of poultry related infectious diseases, FAO in Collaboration with the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries under Fleming Fund (Global Grant) support has implemented farmer field schools (FFS) in six locations (Arumeru, Bigwa, Kihonda, Chanika, Somangila and Kigamboni wards) of mainland Tanzania engaging 182 broiler farmers who graduated in March 2025. The main interventions engaged were on-farm biosecurity measures (hygiene, footbath, limiting free access to broiler farms, etc), vaccination and other best broiler production practices. The impact of these interventions has resind in to limiting occurrence of various infectious diseases, hence reducing the need for antimicrobial use in the agrifood systems and maximizing economic benefits at farm level.
  • In addition, the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) organized a multisectoral workshop for development of the Pandemic Respiratory Pathogen Preparedness Plan whereby FAO ECTAD was invited and participated/contributed on development of this plan which is yet to be endorsed for dissemination at national and sub-national levels. This workshop had engaged other sectors like academia, research institutions and the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries. The workshop was financially supported by the Pandemic Fund Project along with the implementing entities at country level (WHO and FAO).

Zambia:

  • Active surveillance was conducted from 1 to 30 September 2025, during which 200 samples were collected from layer chickens (aged 22-75 weeks) on breeder farms in Mazabuka in Southern Province (100) and Mpongwe in Copperbelt Province (100). All samples tested negative for M, H5, and H7 genes by PCR at the Central Veterinary Research Institute in Lusaka.

Zimbabwe:

  • To prevent the incidence and spread of major poultry diseases on farms, FAO Zimbabwe, with support from the Fleming Fund and Multi-partner Trust Fund projects, has been implementing Broiler Farmer Field Schools (FFS) in eight districts at 16 field sites. The FFS approach within the broiler value chain has been rolled out to an additional four districts: Beitbridge, Mangwe, Kariba and Hurungwe. Two FFS are being implemented in each district. These are AMR oriented and serve to strengthen, among other things, on-farm biosecurity and disease surveillance. All mortalities are investigated with support from the district veterinary services.

Important links

FAO publicaitions

FAO EMPRES Watch, Focus On, empres360 & qualitative risk assessment

FAO Online courses & webinars

FAO report

FAO newsletters

FAO-WOAH

OFFLU

Joint risk assessments

FAO-WHO-WOAH

Wildlife & mammals

Other useful links

WHO

WOAH

Next issue: 13 Nov 2025
The disease situation updates are produced by the FAO Emergency Prevention System for Animal Health (EMPRES-AH) as part of its mission to increase global disease intelligence.
Disclaimer

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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