WattAgNet: Togo has first HPAI cases in 7 years

More than 14,000 birds are affected at two farms in Togo’s Maritime region

Two poultry farms in the Maritime region of Togo have been affected by highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza, resulting in the deaths of 14,372 birds.

This marks the first time that highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been detected in the African nation since January 2009.

According to information provided by Togo’s ministry of agriculture to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), the two farms were considered to be “semi-modern,” but lacked biosecurity measures. At one of the farms, 10,350 birds died, while another 3,000 were destroyed. At the other farm, 950 birds died and another 30 were destroyed. The carcasses, by-products and waste are being disposed of.

The source of the avian influenza infection is not known.

The farms have been quarantined and are being disinfected. A protection zone has been established, and surveillance inside and outside the zone is taking place.

While the virus is new to Togo in 2016, other African nations – including Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Ghana and Cameroon  -- have been dealing with cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza in recent months.

OIE stated that it intends to file weekly reports on the H5N1 avian influenza situation in Togo until it considers it to be resolved.