H5N1 resurges across West Africa as poultry industry faces renewed disease threat

WEST AFRICA – Highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) is once again spreading across West Africa, with new outbreaks reported in Nigeria, Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire since the start of 2026, raising concerns over poultry losses, food security and the resilience of one of the region’s fastest-growing livestock sectors.

The latest outbreaks highlight the continued circulation of the virus across West Africa despite years of surveillance and control efforts. 

Industry stakeholders warn that recurring infections are placing increasing pressure on poultry producers, particularly smallholder and semi-intensive farms that dominate the region’s production systems.

Nigeria, the region’s largest poultry producer, confirmed multiple outbreaks on June 4 through its Ministry of Livestock Development. 

The cases were detected in Kebbi, Kano, Katsina, Plateau and Bauchi states, extending a disease challenge that has persisted intermittently across the country in recent years.

Just one day earlier, Senegal notified the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) of an H5N1 outbreak linked to ducks bred for sale purchased from a local market in the Fatick region. 

The virus was subsequently confirmed at a poultry farm in Dakar, marking the country’s first reported outbreak in three years.

Côte d’Ivoire also reported a fresh outbreak on April 16 at a poultry farm in Koun-Fao. 

The incident resulted in the death of approximately 95,000 birds and represented the country’s first official H5N1 notification in more than five years.

The outbreaks reinforce concerns that avian influenza has become an entrenched regional challenge rather than a series of isolated incidents.

According to disease records from recent years, nine West African countries reported outbreaks during a major regional wave in 2021, including Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, Niger, Mali, Ghana, Nigeria, Benin and Mauritania. 

Subsequent outbreaks were recorded across the region between 2022 and 2025, affecting both commercial poultry and wild bird populations.

Governments strengthen surveillance and preparedness

In response to the latest outbreaks, governments across West Africa are intensifying disease surveillance, border controls and biosecurity measures.

Nigeria, in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), launched a US$350,000 emergency project in May aimed at preventing and controlling highly pathogenic avian influenza. 

The initiative will strengthen surveillance, diagnostics and outbreak communication systems while training 240 animal health workers over the next nine months.

Neighbouring countries are also taking preventive action. 

Burkina Faso recently conducted awareness campaigns at border posts to reduce the risk of virus introduction from affected countries.

Guinea has strengthened epidemiological surveillance along borders and livestock production zones near Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire.

The economic risks remain substantial. 

During Côte d’Ivoire’s 2021 avian influenza crisis, more than 600,000 birds were culled, resulting in losses exceeding 3 billion FCFA (US$5.3 million), according to FAO estimates.

Beyond direct flock losses, recurring outbreaks disrupt poultry supply chains, increase production costs and contribute to price volatility in poultry meat and eggs. 

They can also discourage investment in a sector that plays an increasingly important role in food security, employment and income generation across West Africa.

Experts say stronger regional coordination, enhanced disease surveillance and wider adoption of farm biosecurity measures will be essential if the region is to reduce the long-term threat posed by avian influenza and safeguard future poultry production.

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