OIE Reports H5N1 Bird Flu Outbreak in Togo
TOGO - The Togolese veterinary authorities have reported an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) at an intensive layer farm in Maritime Region.
5 July 2017
2 minute read
By: The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) received an immediate notification on Monday, 3 June, from Dr Batawui Komla Batasse.
According to the report, the outbreak was initially observed on 7 June and confirmed on 29 June after a real-time PCR test was carried out at the Central veterinary laboratory of Lomé.
The reports also states that causal agent is the H5N1 strain of the HPAI virus.
A total of 3600 egg layers have been found to be susceptible, out of which 100 per cent have been affected. 3448 birds were found dead and the remaining 152 have been killed and disposed of.
The OIE reports that the farm has been properly closed down as a precautionary measure.
Source of the outbreak or origin of infection remains inconclusive.
Some of the control measures applied include:
- Movement control inside the country
- Surveillance within containment and/or protection zone
- Quarantine
- Official disposal of carcasses, by-products and waste
- Disinfection
- Slaughter
- Vaccination prohibited
- No treatment of affected animals
Additional measures to be applied are:
- Screening
- Traceability
- Official destruction of animal products
- Stamping out
- Control of wildlife reservoirs
- Zoning
