The International Department of the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation ("CSDC") has learned that the United Nations Convention on the Protection of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) has issued a warning against the increased risk of wild outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Africa.
Image source: CMS
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has recommended that African countries be on high alert for wild bird deaths caused by H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Given recent reports of virus detection in Great White Pelicans and coastal birds in West and South Africa, the risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza coming to other African countries and outbreaks in wild bird populations is high. Countries should take step-up measures to provide early detection, diagnosis and outbreak response to wild birds and poultry.
On 25 January 2022, Senegal observed unusual wild bird deaths at the DJoudj National Bird Sanctuary of UNESCO and Ramsar Wetlands. Of the 883 great white pelicans were infected, 758 of them died, and most of them were juveniles. On February 4, 2022, wild bird deaths occurred in Diawling National Park, which borders another UNESCO and Ramsar wetland, this time in southwestern Mauritania. The outbreak was caused by the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus, which infected young pelicans of great white pelicans, raising concerns about population conservation. National park crews are clearing the flashpoint, clearing the carcasses and preventing predators from entering flocks of birds to spread the virus by preying on or carrying infected carcasses. The two parks are located between Senegal and Mauritania.
Samples collected by the Wildlife Authority of Senegal test positive for H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus, but further identification is still pending. Given that the virus is currently predominantly circulating among wild and domestic birds in Europe and West Africa, it is likely to belong to the 2.3.4.4b clade.
These events are similar to those observed at the end of January 2021, when outbreaks of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza were reported in pelicans at these same locations in Mauritania and Senegal. Recently published phylogenetic and spatial surveys have shown that the 2021 H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus is closely related to the 2.3.4.4b clade of the H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus that was prevalent in Europe at the time, particularly in the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Italy, and is most likely introduced by wild birds migrating from Europe along the East Atlantic shipping lanes.
Over the past few months, the H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus has been frequently detected in wild bird populations in Europe (e.g., uk, netherlands), in plovers in Namibia and South Africa, and in grey cranes in Israel. Several countries in the West African region have also reported that the poultry trade has facilitated regional dissemination. In addition, as highly pathogenic avian influenza has formed in West and South Africa, the spread of the virus from poultry to wild birds can also occur, leading to further spread of the disease.
Therefore, African countries should be highly vigilant for the introduction and spread of the H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus, whether through wild bird migration or poultry trade.
Efforts to maintain and strengthen surveillance of wild bird deaths and rapid response to outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza are critical to control disease in wetlands of international importance, particularly species in conservation efforts, and to prevent further spread or spillover. It is important to emphasize that the spillage of avian influenza viruses can occur in any way: from wild birds to poultry or from poultry to wild birds.
Managing highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks in wild birds can be challenging due to a variety of factors such as site accessibility, soil cover, bird stress, and lack of human and financial resources.
In this context, FAO organized a webinar on 10 February 2022 to share countries' experiences and lessons learned in managing outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza in large-scale wild birds, and the recordings can be accessed through FAO's YouTube channel:
Part I: https://youtu.be/damySnrQuYY
Part II: https://youtu.be/ClJzwsq4E28
H5 Updates on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Sub-Saharan Africa and Global Zoonotic AIV Updates are published monthly by FAO EMPRES.
On 24 January 2022, the Scientific Working Group on Avian Influenza and Wild Birds released a statement titled "H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Poultry and Wild Birds". With a focus on mass deaths of wild birds in the UK and Israel for the winter 2021/2022 winter, the statement provides detailed advice and guidance for sites that manage waterfowl and other wildlife of regional and global importance.
Recommendations for affected and at-risk countries
FAO recommends that national authorities strengthen surveillance and awareness-raising to investigate any observed deaths of wild birds or poultry with highly pathogenic avian influenza.
Trying to control viruses in wild birds by culling or destroying habitats does nothing good. Spraying birds or the environment with disinfectants such as sodium hypochlorite or bleach can be counterproductive, harmful to the environment and ineffective from a disease control perspective.
There is also no reason for any pre-emptive culling of endangered species in the zoological collection. Where the virus is found, control measures for captive wild birds should be based on segregating affected areas and surrounding areas and implementing strict activity controls.
Recommendations to national authorities
Increase surveillance for early detection of H5 and other avian influenza viruses in poultry and dead wild birds.
At the national level, avenues for reporting sick or dead birds, such as hotlines and collection points, are provided.
Raise awareness of the disease and the mechanisms for reporting sick or dead birds among national park staff, people living around wetland/wild bird habitats, poultry producers or sellers and hunters (collectors).
In collaboration with hunter associations, samples of captured birds are collected and screened, particularly in areas known to be affected.
Provide methods and ensure proper disposal of infected bodies.
Ensure that laboratory tests are in place to detect currently circulating avian influenza viruses, particularly those of the 2.3.4.4 lineage (contact: [email protected]).
All detected H5 viruses should be genetically sequenced in national, regional or international reference laboratories. FAO can assist in the transport of samples (contact: [email protected]). The results should be shared with the international community in a timely manner to help understand how the virus spreads.
Action against wild birds is not recommended.
Recommendations for hunters and hunter-gatherers
Hunter (gatherer) communities/associations and wildlife authorities should be aware that H5 and other avian influenza viruses may be present in the waterfowl hunted and that waterfowl hunted, handled and shot have the potential to transmit avian influenza viruses to susceptible poultry and expose people to the virus.
Avoid passing the bird flu virus to poultry through parasites (clothing, boots, vehicles, etc.) and do not feed poultry with the residue of wild birds.
Waterfowl residue should not be fed to domestic animals (cats, dogs or poultry).
Any waste from hunting birds, including their feathers, should be treated as potential contamination and disposed of safely.
Recommendations for poultry producers
Farmers and poultry producers should strengthen biosecurity measures to prevent viruses that may be brought by wild birds or their droppings.
It is important to keep poultry and other animals away from wild birds and their by-products or feces through screens, fences or nets.
Commercial poultry operations and backyard poultry owners should avoid introducing pathogens through contaminated clothing, footwear, vehicles, or equipment used in waterfowl hunting.
General recommendations
Report sick or dead birds – including wild and poultry – to local authorities (national park authorities, veterinary departments, public health officials, community leaders, community health workers, etc.). Samples taken from these birds or environmental samples should be tested for avian influenza virus.
Wash your hands correctly and frequently. You should do this after handling birds or other animals, when cooking or preparing animal products, and before eating.
Eat only cooked meat products and avoid collecting, eating, or selling sick or dead animals.
If you develop a fever after exposure to poultry, farmed birds, wild birds or other animals, you should consult your doctor immediately.