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Sub-Saharan Africa HPAI situation update

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May 14, 2026

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Sub-Saharan Africa HPAI situation update

14 May 2026, 08:30 hours; Rome

Situation: High pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) virus (H5, H5N1, H5N2, H5N6, H5N8, H7 and H7N6 subtypes) with pandemic potential in countries of Sub-Saharan Africa since February 2017.
Confirmed countries - H5: South Africa. H5N1: Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire*, Réunion (France), Gambia, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Lesotho, Mali, Mauritania, Namibia*, Niger, Nigeria*, Senegal, South Africa* and Togo. H5N2: Nigeria and South Africa. H5N6: Nigeria. H5N8: Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. H7: South Africa. H7N6: South Africa and Mozambique.
This flu season, HPAI outbreaks in Nigeria showed unusual pattern. This was followed by the detection of a new reassortant EA‐2024‐DV genotype of H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b, according to the recent publication by the laboratories in Nigeria, Togo, and the FAO Reference Centre Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe) in Italy. Usually, new types of influenza virus are introduced into West Africa from Europe, likely through wild birds. However, according to the paper, this EA‐2024‐DV, which was new to West Africa and also confirmed in samples from Ghana and Togo, has not been reported in Europe. And according to another paper, EA‐2024‐DI genotype, recently circulating in Europe has even been detected in South Africa. Hence, FAO encourages countries to reinforce surveillance in domestic and wild birds, in addition to strengthen biosecurity measures, using ‘One Health’ approach, and to remind poultry holders the value of biosecurity to protect their poultry.
Animal findings: 1 new event since the last update on 9 April 2026.
Number of human cases: no new event since the last update.

* Countries reporting cases in current wave (since 1 October 2025).

Map. Officially reported HPAI outbreaks (H5Nx and H7Nx subtypes) in sub-Saharan Africa, by onset date (1 October 2025 to date)

Map A shows confirmed HPAI events observed from 1 October 2025 to date. Map B shows HPAI events observed from 1 October 2024 to 30 September 2025.

Notes: Refer to the disclaimer available on this webpage for the names and boundaries in this map. Final boundary between the Republic of Sudan and the Republic of South Sudan has not yet been determined. Final status of the Abyei area is not yet determined.
Source: United Nations Geospatial. 2020. Map of the World. [Cited May 2025]. Modified with Emergency Prevention System Global Animal Disease Information System (EMPRES-i), WOAH and National Authorities data, 2026.

Situation update

Table. High pathogenicity avian influenza events reported in animals since 1 October 2025 (i.e. current wave)

VirusCountry (administrative regions affected)Last event observed# events reported since the last updateTotal #events since 1 October 2025Species affected since the last update (orange) and since 1 Oct. 2025 (black)

H5N1

Cote d`Ivoire (Zanzan)

15/04/2026

Poultry

Namibia
(Karas)

10/12/2025

Common Tern

Nigeria
(Bauchi, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Ogun, Plateau, Taraba)

27/03/2026

Chicken, Turkey, Poultry

South Africa
(Limpopo, Eastern Cape, Western Cape)

06/12/2025

Goose, Poultry, Domestic Non-poultry birds; African (Jackass) Penguin, Black Sparrowhawk, Brown Skua, Cape cormorant, Common Tern, Crowned cormorant, Egyptian Goose, Grey-headed gull, Grey Heron, Hartlaub's gull, Kelp Gull, Laridae, Reed Cormorant, Sacred ibis, Swift tern, White-backed Vulture, White-breasted cormorant

Data was retrieved from WOAH WAHIS portal and Sharing other important animal health information with WOAH page [link], government websites. Data cutoff time: reported on 14 May 2026, 8:30 CET. Blue: the first report of infection in the species. The full list of bird and mammalian species affected by H5Nx HPAI are here. For more information, consult dedicated webpage of 1: DFFE, South Africa.

For a summary of H5N1, H5N6, and H5N8 HPAI events reported in sub-Saharan African countries in previous waves (i.e. before 1 October 2024) please contact EMPRES-Animal Health

Peer-reviewed publications

Meseko, C., Zecchin, B., Go-Maro, E.W., Dianati, M., Mkpuma, N., Inuwa, B., Bakam, J., et al.. 2026. Emergence and rapid spread of a new reassortant high pathogenicity H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b avian influenza virus in Nigeria. Influenza Other Respir Viruses, 20(5):e70260. [reference] This study analysed complete genomes from 34 HPAI H5N1 viruses detected through passive surveillance in domestic birds in Nigeria between January 2023 and April 2025. All viruses belonged to clade 2.3.4.4b; while genotype EA-2020-C predominated in 2023, a new reassortant genotype, EA-2024-DV, emerged in 2024 and became increasingly widespread in Nigeria and other West African countries, including Ghana and Togo.

Yehia, N., Ibrahim, M., Shady, R.M., Mohamed, A.A.E., Said, D., Taha, M.E., Arafa, A., et al.. 2026. Concurrent circulation of avian influenza viruses H5N1 and H9N2 enhances the genetic evolution of reassortant viruses in Egyptian poultry populations. PLoS One, 21(5):e0348609. [reference] This molecular surveillance study tested 50 chicken flocks with respiratory signs from seven governorates in Egypt in 2024 for avian influenza H5 and H9, infectious bronchitis virus and Newcastle disease virus. Full-genome sequencing of selected H5- and H9-positive flocks identified one H5N2 reassortant virus and two reassorted H9N2 viruses, highlighting ongoing genetic evolution linked to the co-circulation of HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b and endemic H9N2 viruses.

Okutu, I.A., Asantewaa, P., Angwaawie, P., Gbadamashie, L., Kitsi, C., Nunyuieto, R., Mensah, E.K., Dapaa, S., Deffor, D. & Noora, C.L. 2026. Investigation of avian influenza outbreak in birds at the Akatsi South Municipality, Ghana, 2025. J. interv. epidemiol. public health, 9(ConfProc7):035. [reference] HPAI H5N1 outbreak occurred in the Akatsi-South Municipality, Volta Region, Ghana from 30 June to 4 July 2025. In-depth interviews were conducted with farm managers and workers using a standardised AI outbreak investigation checklist. Farm-specific Attack rates ranged from 1.6% to 66.7%, with an overall rate of 20.3%. Poor biosecurity and cross-border feed sourcing facilitated farm-to-farm transmission.

More peer-reviewed publications on AI in Africa

Dumevi, C.Y., Joel, M., Adzomfoa, D.E., Sosu, S.Q., Nyebiribi, D., Banini, J.A.N., Teiko, D.A., et al.. 2026. Avian influenza preparedness in Ghana: a cross-sectional assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and practices among residents of Nsawam-Adoagyiri Municipality, Eastern Region. BMC Public Health. 2026 Mar 17. [reference]

Dundon, W.G., Monjane, I.V., Nhabomba, V., Tamele, E., Djedje, H., Sussuro, A., Van-Dúnem, T.M., et al.. 2026. Case report: Detection and characterization of avian influenza virus H9N2 in a broiler farm in Mozambique, 2025. Front Vet Sci, 13:1765651. [reference]

Boudouma, F., Hajji, H., Ducatez, M., Arbani, O., Aitelkadi, K. & Fellahi, S. 2026. Spatial risk mapping of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Morocco using geographic information system and multi-criteria decision analysis: Implications for targeted surveillance and control. Vet World, 18(12):3713-3730. [reference]

Nisaa, Z., Häsler, B., Bennani, H., Jorquera, R., Scolamacchia, F. & Alarcon, P. 2026. Global economic impacts of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza: A systematic review and impact framework. Prev Vet Med, 251:106827. [reference]

Mkpuma, N., Meseko, C., Shittu, I., Chukwu, C., Afiukwa, F.N., Iroha, I.R., Muhammad, M. & Ogbu, O. 2026. Molecular characterization and phylogeography of equine influenza virus H3N8 detected in donkeys in Nigeria 2022-2023. BMC Vet Res. 2026 Feb 3. [reference]

Nyarko SO, Asante IA, Sarpong GM, Boatemaa L, Kwasah L, Awuku-Larbi Y, Magnusen V, Wutsika J, Ago S, Amenuvor EAA, Adusei-Poku M, Ntim NAA, Wordui J, Sekyi-Yorke AN, Takyi C, Nyarko JA, Quarcoo JA, Doku I, Tackie RA, Odoom T, Danso F, Nyarko EO, Asiedu W, Mingle DL, Attram N, Cameron-Paintsil S, Terrel S, Miranda H, Ampofo WK. 2026. Evidence of High Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 Clade 2.3.4.4b Among Poultry in Ghana From 2021 to 2022. Vet Med Sci, 12(1):e70744. [reference]

Ibrahim M, Said A, Wahba MA & Yehia N. 2026. Genetic and antigenic analysis of the highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N8 virus clade 2.3.4.4b isolated from waterfowl in Egypt during 2022; evidence of brain-specific HA mutations. Br Poult Sci, 2026 Jan 7:1-10. [reference]

Steinfurth A, Lynton-Jenkins JG, Cleeland J, Mollett BC, Coombes HA, Moores A, Neal R, Clifton B, Falchieri M, Jones CW, Risi MM, Gold S, James J, Ryan PG, González Solís J, Banyard AC. 2026. Investigating high pathogenicity avian influenza virus incursions to remote islands: Detection of H5N1 on Gough Island in the South Atlantic Ocean. Emerg Microbes Infect, 2026 Feb 3:2627076. [reference]

Ali WH, Saeed IK, Mutwakil SM, Alamin MH, Balla AA, Ahmed MAE, Saeed AA, Asil RM, Algezoli OA, Abdellatif MM, Ali YH. 2025. Isolation and subtyping of avian influenza A virus from wild birds in Khartoum, Sudan. Onderstepoort J Vet Res, 92(1):e1-e5. [reference]

Al-Mustapha AI, Adetunji V, Ogundijo OA, Odetokun IA, Oyafajo L, Abali HW, Oyewo M, Abubakar AT, Muhammad SO, Adetunji DA, Odukoya A, Haruna A, Bamidele F, Elelu N, Fasina FO. Animal Disease Burden in Nigeria, 2006-2023. Transbound Emerg Dis, 2025:1694850. [reference]

Abolnik, C. 2025. Avian influenza situation report-Africa. Can J Microbiol, 71:1-4. [reference]

Abdusalam, M., Elbasir, M., Ashteba, M., Saeed, A., Ebrahim, F., Aslougi, A., Alhudiri, I., Meshri, S.E.E., Sharif, M. & Elzagheid, A. 2025. Monitoring influenza A virus in wild migratory birds and waterfowl in Libya using RT-qPCR. Open Vet J, 15(9):4735-4743. [reference]

Benlashehr, I., Agha, A.S.K., Naffati, K.M., Bshina, S.A., Khashkhosha, A.A., Asheg, A.A. & Kammon, A.M. 2025. Age-related serological response to H9N2 infection in southwest Tripoli, Libya. Open Vet J, 15(10):5361-5367. [reference]

Kamel, M.N., Moatasim, Y., Aboulhoda, B.E., Gomaa, M., El Taweel, A., Kutkat, O., El Sayes, M., et al. 2025. Genetic Characterization and Pathogenesis of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus A (H5N1) Isolated in Egypt During 2021-2023. Viruses, 17(10):1370. [reference]

Adesola RO, Bakre AA, Ogunro BN, Omotosho O, Ogundijo OA, Meseko CA, Inuwa B, et al. 2025. Avian Influenza Screening in Captive Wild Birds and Biosecurity Appraisal of Zoological Gardens in Southwestern Nigeria. Vet Med Int, 2025:3419266. [reference]

Kadja, M.C., Bako, A.B.I., Onidje, E., Cissé, A.K., Sourokou Sabi, S. & Fellahi, S. 2025. Molecular Detection and Genetic Characterization of H9N2 Avian Influenza Virus in Laying Hen and Broiler Farms in Dakar and Thies Regions, Senegal. Vet Ital, 2025 Sep 4;61(4). [reference]

Kamel, M.N., Moatasim, Y., Aboulhoda, B.E., Gomaa, M., El Taweel, A., Kutkat, O., El Sayes, M., et al. 2025. Genetic Characterization and Pathogenesis of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus A (H5N1) Isolated in Egypt During 2021–2023. Viruses, 17:1370. [reference]

Gomez, J.F., Bemis, I.G., Shittu, I., Gray, G.C. & Coleman, K.K. 2025. Outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza a(H5N1) among house cats: A case series involving oseltamivir treatment. One Health, 21:101211. [reference]

Shittu, I., Rodriguez, J., Oguzie, J.U., Trujillo-Vargas, C.M., Marushchak, L.V., Nguyen-Tien, T., Schneider, N.E., Lednicky, J.A., & Gray, G.C. 2025. Sustained High Levels of Antibodies to Avian Influenza Virus H5N1 Clade 2.3.4.4b in Naturally Infected Cattle.

El-Tholoth, M., Seboussi, R., Hussein, M., Rahmdel, S., Alalawi, A. & Bau, H.H. 2025. Smartphone-Linked and Electricity-Free Platforms for Rapid Colorimetric Molecular Detection of Poultry Respiratory Viruses at the Point of Need. Biosensors (Basel), 15(10):638. [reference]

Asante, I.A., Asante-Ntim, N.A., Abankwa, A.A., Ofori, O.B., Boatemaa, L., Kwasah, L., Quarcoo, J.A., et al. 2025. Characterization of the first detected Avian Influenza A(H9N2) human case in Ghana. Emerg Microbes Infect, 2025 Sep 3:2556717. [reference]

Medialdea Carrera, R., Hammond, A., Michel, J.M., Lewis, H., Lee, Y.K., Ezerska, L.A., Williams, G.S., Zhang, W. & AbdelMalik, P. 2025. Coordination and collaboration for strengthening respiratory surveillance at the national level: updates from workshop hosted by the WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence, 24-25 July 2024. BMC Proc, 19(Suppl 23):24. [reference]

Shittu, I., Cummings, D.B., Groves, J.T., Hagan, A.G. & Gray, G.C. 2025. Low Levels of Neutralizing Antibodies to Influenza A (H5N1) and D Viruses Among Cattle and Cattle Workers on US Farms, 2024-2025. Influenza Other Respir Viruses. 2025 Sep;19(9):e70162. [reference]

Oluwadare, F.A., Inuwa, B., Nicodemus, M., Killo, A.O., Ogunmolawa, O., Darang, A., Igah, O., et al. 2025. Seroreactivity of clandestinely traded avian influenza vaccines in Nigeria. PAMJ-One Health, 17(13). [reference]

Meseko, C., Edet, U.O., Henshaw, O., Mkpuma, N., Olawuyi, K.A. Archibong, C. 2025. Bibliometric analysis of highly pathogenic avian influenza research globally from 2003 to 2023. Germs, 15(1):11-25. [reference]

Pulscher, L.A., Maruschak, L.V., Shittu, I., Alsharif, H. & Gray, G.C. 2025. No Evidence of Novel Respiratory Viruses on Two Texas Dairy Farms Before the H5N1 Avian Influenza Virus Epizootic. Influenza Other Respir Viruses, 19(8): e70146. [reference]

Asante, I.A., Asante-Ntim, N.A., Abankwa, A.A., Ofori, O.B., Boatemaa, L., Kwasah, L., Quarcoo, J.A., et al. 2025. Characterization of the first detected Avian Influenza A(H9N2) human case in Ghana. Emerg Microbes Infect, 2025 Sep 3:2556717. [reference]

Beyit, A.D., Yahya, B., Ebou, M.H. Mekhalla, L.O., Haki, M.L., N’diay, F.B., Baba, D., et al. 2025. Detection and characterization of avian influenza H9N2 in a broiler farm in Mauritania; 2024. Vet Res Commun, 49:272. [reference]

Dsani, J.K., Johnson, S.A.M., Yasobant, S. & Bruchhausen, W. 2025. Intersectoral collaboration in zoonotic disease surveillance and response: A One Health study in the Greater Accra metropolitan area of Ghana. One Health, 21:101137. [reference]

Mosaad, Z., Hagag, N.M., Elsayed, M.M., Mady, W.H., Zanaty, A.M., El-Badiea, Z.A., Amer, F., et al. 2025. Isolation, characterization and phylogenetic analyses of avian influenza A (H9N2) viruses isolated from poultry between 2019 and 2023 in Egypt. BMC Vet Res, 21(1):455. [reference]

Soka S, Mayengo M & Kgosimore M. 2025. Modeling the effects of contaminated environments on the transmission dynamics of avian influenza in humans and domestic birds. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis, 122:102370. [reference]

Drzewnioková, P., Brian, I., Mancin, M., Fortin, A., Gourlaouen, M., Angot, A., Niang, M., et al. 2025. Validation and multi-site deployment of a lyophilized qRT-PCR reagent for the molecular diagnosis of avian influenza and rabies in Sub-Saharan African regions. J Clin Microbiol, 2025 Jul 1:e0008025. [reference]

Regragui, R., Arbani, O., Touil, N., Bouzoubaa, K., Oukessou, M., El Houadfi, M. & Fellahi, S. 2025. Surveillance and Coinfection Dynamics of Infectious Bronchitis Virus and Avian Influenza H9N2 in Moroccan Broiler Farms (2021-2023): Phylogenetic Insights and Impact on Poultry Health. Viruses, 17(6):786. [reference]

Fahim, M., Alim, W., Abukamar, S., El-Shesheny, R., Roshdy, W.H., Hassan, H., Mohsen, A., et al. 2025. Study of the effectiveness of a supported intervention package in reducing the risk of avian influenza human exposure through the reduction of infections in poultry: Egypt, 2006-2021. Virol J, 22(1):170. [reference]

Mohamed, R.I., Mosad, S.M., Ali, H.S., Albalawi, W.O., Elsamadony, H.A., Ramzy, N.M., Saad, A.S., Fallatah, D., et al. A comprehensive pathological and molecular investigation of viral co-infections in ducks in Egypt. Front Microbiol, 16:1522669. [reference]

Taweel, A.E., Sayes, M.E., Maatouq, A., Gomaa, M., Moatasim, Y., Kutkat, O., McKenzie, P.P., et al. 2025. Newcastle disease virus in Egyptian domestic poultry, 2019-2021: Molecular characterization, phylogenetic analysis, and coinfection with avian influenza A virus. Open Vet J, 15(4):1848-1857. [reference]

Sajjadi, N.C., Abolnik, C., Baldinelli, F., Brown, I., Cameron, A., de Wit, S., Dhingra, M., et al. 2025. Vaccination and surveillance for high pathogenicity avian influenza in poultry-current situation and perspectives. Biologicals, 91:101840. [reference]

Mamabolo, M., Machalaba, C., Zantsi, S., Rostal, M.K., Karesh, W.B., Thompson, P.N. & Chaminuka, P.2025. One Health Economics approach to prevention and control of zoonotic and animal diseases - considerations for South Africa. One Health Outlook, 7(1):30. [reference]

Abolnik, C., Phiri, T.P., Strydom, C., Ismail, Z., Jordaan, F., Wannenburg, K., Bisschop, S.P.R. 2025. Molecular and In Vivo Characterization of the High Pathogenicity H7N6 Avian Influenza Virus That Emerged in South African Poultry in 2023. Transbound Emerg Dis, 2024 Nov 8;2024:8878789. [reference]

Ngom, R.V., Ayissi, G.J., Akoussa, A.M.M., Laconi, A., Jajere, S.M., Zangue, H.A. & Piccirillo, A. 2025. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Efficacy of Biosecurity in Disease Prevention and Control in Livestock Farms in Africa. Transbound Emerg Dis, 2024 Nov 14;2024:8683715. [reference]

Mahmoud, S.H., Gomaa, M., El Taweel, A., Moatasim, Y., Kamel, M.N., El Sayes, M., Abo Shama, N.M., et al. 2025. Transmission dynamics of avian influenza viruses in Egyptian poultry markets. Npj Viruses, 2(1):25. [reference]

Akello, W. 2025. Harnessing the power of One Health education to tackle emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) and other global health challenges. One Health Outlook, 7(1): 23. [reference]

Onidje, E., Oni, O.O., Kadja, M.C., Abraham, M.B., Burimuah, V., Mensah, A.P., Asare, D.A., Opoku Bannor, J. & Emikpe, B.O. 2025. Seroprevalence of H9N2 and H5 avian influenza in mixed-species poultry farms in northern Benin. J. Immunoassay Immunochem.,1-15. [reference]

Monamele, C.G., Njankouo, R.M., Yogne, C.N., Essengue, L.L.M., Bilounga, C.N., Tsafack, D.T., Njifon, H.L.M., Tamoufe, U., Perraut, R. & Njouom, R. 2025. Investigation of influenza A of pandemic potential and MERS-coronavirus in humans in Cameroon. BMC Res. Notes18(1): 133. [reference]

Arbani O, Ducatez MF, Kadja-Wonou M, Salamat F, Kichou F, El Houadfi M, Fellahi S. 2025. Development of an experimental model using cold stress to assess the pathogenicity of two Moroccan AI H9N2 isolates from 2016 and 2022 in commercial broiler chickens. PLoS One, 20(4):e0320666. [reference]

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Actions by the countries and/or supported by FAO

Global level

OFFLU published a perspective examining the spillover of HPAI H5Nx viruses into mammals, outlining impacts across species, associated risks, and how surveillance systems may need to adapt in response to the increasing frequency of mammalian cases. [link]
On 4 March 2026, OFFLU (WOAH/FAO Network of Expertise on Animal Influenza) released 'Global overview of the spread and impact of H5 clade 2.3.4.4b HPAI virus in wildlife, 2020-2024' which explained that Clade 2.3.4.4b high pathogenicity avian influenza H5 has shown unprecedented geographic expansion in wild birds in recent years. In this OFFLU report, experts from around the world reviewed its spread and expanding host range, as well as associated mortality events in wild birds and mammals from 2020 to 2024. To translate this knowledge into action, a priority list of high-level recommendations was described that could improve current HPAI surveillance, preparedness and response, and strengthen wildlife population resilience. [link]
On 5 February 2026, FAO held a second webinar on avian influenza under the Global Framework for the Progressive Control of Transboundary Animal Diseases (GF-TADs) entitled “Update on latest initiatives for avian influenza prevention and control”, with the participation of FAO, WOAH (World Organisation for Animal Health) and the OFFLU (WOAH/FAO Network of Expertise on Animal Influenza). Recording will be soon available [link]. Recording is now available [link].
At the WHO Vaccine Composition Meeting (VCM) in Istanbul, Türkiye, in February 2026, OFFLU (WOAH/FAO Network of Expertise on Animal Influenza) will provide critical genetic, antigenic and epidemiological data on circulating avian and swine influenza viruses from its international network to inform WHO’s assessment of candidate vaccine viruses for pandemic preparedness. [link]

Regional level

A week-long hands-on training session for laboratory technician from Cabo Verde and Guinea-Bissau at LNERV in Dakar, Senegal to strengthen laboratory capacity under preparation under FAO’s Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) through a subregional project (TCP/SFW/4002).
West Africa region has experienced renewed high-risk waves of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1, characterized by the continued dominance of the clade 2.3.4.4b genotype. Since early 2025, HPAI events have been confirmed by the national veterinary laboratories in Nigeria (n=45), Ghana (n=1), Liberia (n=1), Niger (n=3), and Togo (n=4). FAO has assisted countries in sending samples to IZSVe, a FAO reference center in Padova, for further confirmation and genetic characterization. The results highlighted ongoing situation in the region. In Nigeria, all the isolates belonged to clade 2.3.4.4b, broadly consistent with the viruses circulating in West Africa. However, the complete genomes sequencing indicated a novel genotype EA-2024-DV. The presence of HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b was confirmed also in Ghana. Whole-genome sequencing revealed two distinct genotypes: usual genotype already identified in Ghana in 2024, and EA-2024-DI.2 genotype (predominant in Europe during 2024-2025) which could be a new introduction to West Africa. In early 2025, Togo confirmed the presence of HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b, a new genotype which had not been previously reported in the country, a highest genetic similarity was found with H5N1 sequences from Ghana and Israel. Liberia also reported its first detection of HPAI H5N1 outbreak in early 2025 confirmed by the national veterinary laboratory, but no samples were sent to the IZSVe for further confirmation and sequencing. In Niger, the last HPAI H5N1 outbreak confirmed by the national veterinary laboratory was in 2024, but no samples were sent to the IZSVe either. FAO has provided diagnostic reagents/consumables for Avian Influenza for the veterinary laboratories to enhance early detection capabilities.

National level

Burkina Faso:

As part of the surveillance of animal diseases and zoonoses, including HPAI, FAO-Burkina Faso provided technical and financial support for the training of 18 veterinarians and two environmental officers in field epidemiology, as part of the In Service Applied Veterinary Epidemiology Training (ISAVET) basic level programme. The trainees presented their field reports at a workshop held on 12–13 January in Ouagadougou. Among the topics covered by the trainees were (i) the inspection of poultry and fish processing establishments in the Guiriko and Bankui regions, (ii) assessment of health risks associated with the importation of animals and animal products, the results of which have made it possible to update information on the risk of introduction and spread of HPAI in the country.

Chad:

The Directorate-General for Veterinary Services of the Ministry of Livestock and Animal Production is committed to efforts to prevent, monitor and respond to risks associated with HPAI. On 31 December 2025, it organised a tabletop simulation exercise to test the HPAI Contingency Plan. The lessons learnt from this exercise revealed the absence of standard operating procedures dedicated to HPAI contingency planning; furthermore, one of the recommendations from the training workshop on the FAO Emergency Management Manual in September 2025 highlighted the absence of provisions regarding compensation, which is necessary for a comprehensive preparedness document.

Cote d'Ivoire:

The results of the biosecurity assessment in poultry farms and markets in the main poultry farming areas of Agnibilekro and Abidjan to the veterinary services were presented as a part of avian influenza (AI) prevention efforts following initiatives led by FAO. This study also explored the factors influencing the adoption of biosecurity measures and identified corrective actions to be taken.

Ethiopia:

From February 20 to 23, 2026, approximately 100 animal production and health professionals received capacity-building training on poultry husbandry practices and biosecurity measures, as part of implementation of the national strategy to improve compliance to farm biosecurity standards for poultry production. The program focused on importance of biosecurity in reducing production losses and health risks for improved relevance to the needs of the farmers. The training covered farmhouse construction, feed and feeding management, day-old chick management, farm biosecurity practices and measures, infection prevention and control measures, public health risks, vaccination, farm waste management, and record keeping and reporting. Trainees were from Amhara, Benishangul Gumuz, Gambella, Oromia, and Tigray Regions, and Addis Ababa City Administration.

Ghana:

Closing Event of the project "Strengthening One Health and Biosecurity for National and Producer Resilience – Preventing National and Global Health Threats" (GCP/GLO/1076/USA) was held in Accra on 22-23 April to consolidate and reflect on the results achieved, lessons learned, and innovations generated. The US funded project supported countries in translating global tools, standards and guidance into operational solutions adapted to local contexts, facilitated collaboration among national authorities, regional institutions and other partners, with strong emphasis on community-level engagement in early detection and prevention.
The fist simulation exercise on interoperability between FAO made Event Mobile Application (EMA-i+) and SILAB (Laboratory information system) was held in April. After the technical demonstrations, a live simulation was conducted on-site. This was followed by a national stakeholder Workshop to review the exercise results.
FAO has provided diagnostic reagents/consumables for Avian Influenza for the veterinary laboratory under the Pandemic Fund to enhance early detection capabilities.

Guinea:

The evaluation of the pilot phase of the implementation of the Progressive Management Pathway for Terrestrial Animal Biosecurity (PMP-TAB) approach to good biosecurity practices in poultry farms was conducted and revealed a potential positive impact of biosecurity on reducing avian mortality, better multisectoral coordination and local capacity building.

Liberia:

FAO Liberia through two of its projects (GCP/LIR/028/UAE and UNJP/LIR/036/UNJ) is supporting the construction of poultry houses, supply of day-old-chicks (DOC) and vaccination (against Newcastle disease) at eight locations in the country. Poultry farmers were trained on general poultry business management, biosecurity and disease reporting under the 2 projects.

Madagascar:

Facing the persistent threat of HPAI and increased circulation of the virus in the region, Madagascar, through the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DSV), commits to updating its contingency plan in order to have a strategic, operational and intersectoral tool. The new plan focuses on three priority areas: Strengthening preventive measures to limit the risks of introducing the virus into national territory; Improving early detection of the disease, at all levels of intervention and in each sector concerned; The optimization of emergency response capacities in case of outbreaks, − to implement a coherent and coordinated response, based on the "One Health" approach, promoting synergy between animal, human and environmental health sectors.

Malawi:

While there is no HPAI outbreaks have been reported during 2025−2026 period so far, Malawi is proactively strengthening its preparedness and surveillance frameworks.

Niger:

Digitising data has been processed through the national animal health data information platform to improve reporting, centralisation and data management for rapid and effective decision-making. The REPREP (programme for preparedness and response to zoonotic disease outbreaks, based on the One Health approach) has been finalized including SOP on the surveillance and management of avian influenza outbreaks for joint emergency interventions in the event of an outbreak. The Ministry of Livestock, in collaboration with the One Health Committee and other partners is promoting awareness on biosecurity measures for stakeholders in the value chain and training for One Health community agents on community-based surveillance. Field epidemiologists have been trained by the University of Tillaberi in field epidemiology for veterinary professionals (ISAVET) with funding from FAO to strengthen HPAI surveillance in the field.

Nigeria:

HPAI outbreaks have been reported also last month, government is advocating biosecurity measures including communication through local radio targeting poultry value chain actors; FAO has assisted veterinary services by sharing technical knowledge and supported in sending samples to IZSVe for genetic characterization.
The rapid response team (Federal Veterinary Services at the Ministry responsible for livestock development) mobilized and implemented the following measures: (1) Restriction of movements in the affected area; (2) Culling where possible; (3) Decontamination/disinfection and other biosecurity measures; (4) Targeted surveillance and ongoing laboratory testing are planned; (5) Information sharing: WOAH, FAO, OFFLU, Regional Animal Health Center for West Africa.

Senegal:

A Farmers Field School (FFS) for poultry farmers was conducted this year as Training for Trainers (ToT). The curricula on biosecurity training for poultry farmers developed will be used to further scale up the biosecurity and good practice in poultry farming.

The United Republic of Tanzania:

On the efforts for prevention of the emergence and spread of poultry related infectious diseases, FAO in Collaboration with the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries under Fleming Fund (Global Grant) support has implemented farmer field schools (FFS) in six locations (Arumeru, Bigwa, Kihonda, Chanika, Somangila and Kigamboni wards) of mainland Tanzania engaging 182 broiler farmers who graduated in March 2025. The main interventions engaged were on-farm biosecurity measures (hygiene, footbath, limiting free access to broiler farms, etc), vaccination and other best broiler production practices. The impact of these interventions has resind in to limiting occurrence of various infectious diseases, hence reducing the need for antimicrobial use in the agrifood systems and maximizing economic benefits at farm level.

Togo:

The zoonosis prioritisation exercise, conducted from 4 to 7 March 2026 using the One Health approach and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s OHZDP (One Health Zoonotic Disease Prioritisation) tool, ranked highly pathogenic avian influenza among the priority diseases. This activity, which brought together the ministries responsible for animal health, human health and the environment, was made possible thanks to technical and financial support from the FAO through the Pandemic Fund, as well as from the WHO and the CDC. This prioritisation should facilitate increased and more targeted mobilisation of resources to strengthen surveillance, prevention and response to this zoonosis.

Zimbabwe:

FAO was invited to two weeks ago to attend the HPAI situational analysis in the country- led by CIRAD (French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development) under the Zoosursy project. This was a multi-sectoral engagement that brought up the many gaps in capacity and practices of the country in HPAI surveillance (detailed report can be requested from CIRAD if needed).
From the government department of veterinary technical services (DVTS), routine surveillance being conducted in large commercial farms, where they submit samples quarterly, but this is limited to that scale of producers only.