Gambia moves to prevent outbreak of Bird Flu

Gambia, Banjul (PANA) - The Gambian government is set to take measures to prevent the country from the outbreak of highly-pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) of the type H5N1 in neighbour Senegal.

A joint statement, made available to PANA here on Wednesday by the Ministry of Agriculture, through the department of Livestock Services (DLS) and the Ministry of Health, through its Epidemiology and disease control unit (EDC), and the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) and the Department of Parks and wildlife Management (DPWM) under the Ministry of Environment, informs the general public of a reported outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) of the type H5N1 in  neighbour  of Senegal. 

The statement said this public health concern happened in a Layer Poultry Farm in Thies, Senegal, with 100,000 chickens of which 58,000 chickens got sick and died from the disease while the remaining 42,000 chickens were killed as a measure to control the outbreak.

“The official notification was issued to the OIE (World Organization for Animal Health) on the 7th of January 2021 and it’s through this means that the Veterinary Services of The Gambia knows about the event,” the statement disclosed.

According to the statement, the national taskforce, composed of EDC, NDMA, and DPWM and led by DLS, is invoking the Integrated national emergency preparedness and response plan for Avian and Human Influenza (AHI) (2015-2019) for the implementation of the necessary activities to address the risk posed by the presence of HPAI virus in Senegal and to continue with efforts to further secure its absence in The Gambia.

“HPAI, known as Bird Flu, is a highly contagious viral disease with a significant zoonotic risk and a major global public health concern or potential pandemic similar to COVID-19 or even worse. 

HPAI control measures are centered on domesticated poultry like chicken.

“The DLS and its partners are taking this opportunity to urge everyone to remain calm but vigilant and report any unusual animal health event in poultry only to DLS staff. 

“The ultimate objective of this message is protecting human lives and enhancing food security being a clear indication of the commitment of The Government of The Gambia to protect its citizens and their livelihoods,” the statement said.

-0- PANA MSS/VAO 13Jan2021