Avian Flu Outbreak in Nigeria, South Africa Threatens Christmas Supply

News in brief:

-Nigeria reports fresh H5N1 cases after a five-month break, with more than 2.5 million birds impacted so far.

-Continued outbreaks in South Africa and Egypt heighten fears of poultry shortages and rising prices during Christmas.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is spreading again across parts of Africa, particularly in Nigeria and South Africa, triggering concerns about reduced poultry supply and increased prices during the Christmas season.

Nigeria recently recorded new cases of the H5N1 strain after a five-month period of relative calm. Official notices to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) show:

• 476 confirmed outbreaks up to April 2025
• 491 outbreaks recorded to date
• Over 2.5 million poultry were directly affected nationwide.

The virus resurfaced in mid-October at a commercial farm in Kebbi State, where about 13,500 birds were infected. Around the same time, a backyard flock in Taraba State also tested positive, with most of the 138 birds succumbing to the disease.

A further 13 outbreaks were confirmed in small flocks across Wukari, Taraba State, each consisting of 17 to 71 birds, all showing symptoms simultaneously.

South Africa Battles Ongoing Transmission

South Africa’s animal health authority has also reported new outbreaks in commercial farms, including one affecting over 153,000 poultry and four backyard flocks, each holding 16 to 200 birds. Wild bird cases numbering around 40 were also confirmed.

The South African Poultry Association (SAPA) has intensified calls to expand vaccination access. Currently, only one company has government approval for a pilot vaccination programme, while compensation delays for culled birds continue to worry farmers.

Egypt Records Two Confirmed Outbreaks

Egypt reported two outbreaks in early 2025, with around 14,000 birds affected and 122,000 birds vaccinated in response. Confirmed cases were recorded in Middle Egypt’s Faiyum Governorate and northern Gharbia.

Regional Action and Scientific Findings

At a FAO-led strategy workshop in Guinea-Bissau, 15 West African nations agreed on a roadmap to strengthen prevention and control between 2026 and 2030 under the “One Health” approach.

Research findings also reveal that 9% of poultry samples in Senegal tested positive for the H9N2 strain, with higher presence in broiler farms (19%), compared to layers (2%). There were genetic similarities with strains in Morocco, suggesting that the disease spread through the regional poultry trade.

Additionally, Egyptian samples collected between 2021 and 2023 indicate multiple virus introductions, likely from migratory birds, due to similarities with viruses found in Europe and Asia.