Ivory Coast has confirmed an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) on a poultry farm in the eastern part of the country, according to the World Organisation for Animal Health.
The outbreak occurred in the Koun-Fao district, located near the Ghanaian border, where the virus led to the death of approximately 95,000 birds. The Paris-based animal health agency cited official reports submitted by Ivorian authorities, noting that containment measures are being implemented to prevent further spread.
H5N1 avian influenza is a highly contagious virus that affects both domestic and wild bird populations and has caused significant economic losses in the global poultry industry in recent years. While transmission to humans remains rare, health authorities closely monitor such outbreaks due to their potential public health implications.
West African countries, including Ivory Coast, have periodically battled bird flu outbreaks, often linked to cross-border poultry trade and migratory bird patterns. Veterinary services typically respond with quarantine measures, culling of infected flocks, and movement restrictions to contain the disease.