Côte d’Ivoire confirms H5N1 avian influenza outbreak for the first time in 5 years

IVORY COAST – Avian influenza has resurfaced in Côte d’Ivoire, disrupting poultry production and raising renewed concerns over the spread of highly pathogenic viruses across West Africa, as the country works to consolidate gains in its rapidly expanding poultry sector.

The outbreak was confirmed at a poultry farm in Koun-Fao, in the Gontougo region of eastern Côte d’Ivoire, and reported on 16 April 2026 by the World Organisation for Animal Health  (WOAH) based on official national submissions. 

According to the report, approximately 95,000 birds died on the affected farm following infection with the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain, a virus known for rapid transmission and high mortality in poultry populations.

Authorities said the outbreak’s origin remains undetermined, while containment measures, including surveillance, movement controls, and disinfection protocols, are being reinforced to limit further spread.

The latest incident marks a significant setback for Côte d’Ivoire’s poultry industry, which has been one of the fastest-growing livestock subsectors in the country over the past decade.

Prior to this outbreak, Côte d’Ivoire had not reported a major avian influenza episode since 2021, when cases in Grand-Bassam triggered the culling of more than 600,000 birds and resulted in estimated economic losses exceeding 3 billion CFA francs (US$5.37 million). 

Earlier waves, including in 2015, also led to large-scale preventive culling affecting more than 200,000 birds, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization.

The virus’s recurrence in 2026 highlights the continued vulnerability of poultry systems in the region, particularly given uneven biosecurity measures and surveillance across commercial and smallholder production units.

Beyond immediate production losses, the outbreak is expected to increase costs associated with containment measures, including sanitation, monitoring, and movement restrictions, and potentially disrupt local poultry supply chains.

Industry data shows Côte d’Ivoire’s poultry population has expanded significantly in recent years, nearly tripling from 57.46 million birds to an estimated 149.17 million birds in 2024, reflecting strong domestic demand and growing investment in poultry production systems.

Avian influenza situation across Africa

Beyond Côte d’Ivoire, avian influenza continues to be reported in several parts of Africa, with varying intensity depending on seasonal migration patterns, biosecurity levels, and wildlife interactions.

In recent years, West Africa has remained a recurring hotspot, with periodic outbreaks reported in countries such as Nigeria, particularly affecting both commercial poultry farms and live bird markets. 

Southern Africa has also experienced outbreaks, including in South Africa, which have previously led to significant culling in commercial poultry operations and temporary disruptions in egg and broiler supply chains.

In East Africa, sporadic detections have also been reported in wild bird populations and poultry systems in countries such as Kenya, often linked to migratory bird pathways that increase the risk of cross-border transmission.

While outbreak intensity varies by country and year, the continued presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza strains across the continent underscores the need for strengthened regional surveillance, early detection systems, and coordinated biosecurity responses.

For Côte d’Ivoire, the current outbreak will be closely monitored to determine whether it remains an isolated incident or signals a broader resurgence that could threaten the momentum of poultry sector growth and regional trade stability in West Africa.

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