An outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza was responsible for the deaths of nearly 116,000 birds in two regions of the African nation of Burkina Faso. The biggest loss was suffered at a layer farm in the Kadiogo province, where 110,000 hens were lost.
Burkina Faso’s last outbreak of avian influenza was reported in 2006.
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) reported four outbreaks of avian influenza, with 115,394 birds being killed by the virus between the four affected premises. An additional 400 birds were destroyed.
A layer farm in the Kadiogo province saw the deaths of 110,000 layers among a flock of 180,000. Another Kadiogo farm lost 4,028 hens, guinea fowls and turkeys, and had another 400 birds destroyed.
In Burkina Faso’s Sanguie province, one farm with chickens, guineas and ducks had 1,066 birds die out of a susceptible 1,330. The other Sanguie property, also containing chickens, guineas and ducks had 300 deaths with an additional 30 birds susceptible.
The source of the infections has not yet been determined, OIE stated.
The affected premises have been disinfected, and movement control actions within the country have been applied. OIE stated that weekly updates will be submitted until the avian influenza situation in Burkina Faso has been resolved.
