Quarantine imposed in capital after bird flu outbreak at Niger farm

Niamey, February 3 (EFE) – The governor of Niamey has imposed a quarantine following an outbreak of the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus AH5N1 at a chicken farm in the Niger capital, a veterinarian told EFE. , the chicken farm slaughtered 1,000 chickens.

The source did not provide further details on the case and said all measures taken were approved through a decree signed by the Governor General Asuman Abdul Haruna.

The disease was discovered on January 27 after multiple inspections by the Central Breeding Laboratory (LABOCEL, in French) of chickens on the farm, which, as explained in the decree, has experienced a high mortality rate in recent days. high.

“Niamey is infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza AH5N1 within a 10-kilometer radius,” the decree reads, ordering “the systematic slaughter of birds on infected farms” and “strict cleaning and disinfection of contaminated areas.” ” and “Quarantine.” and strictly control the movement of birds in any risky vehicles,” the order reads.

The document also requires veterinary services to conduct health surveillance of all species susceptible to transmitting the disease, namely breeding, ornamental and wild birds.

The last outbreak of bird flu in Niamey was in February 2022, when it was detected on four farms and contained after a number of restrictions were implemented.

According to health experts, the avian influenza virus can be transmitted to humans by eating infected birds or having frequent, intensive contact with these birds.Effie

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