Stories from Kunfao · France

At least 95,000 poultry birds have died due to a highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza strain. Benoît Alméras provided details regarding the scale of the deaths. Authorities are monitoring the situation to prevent further spread. This marks the fourth resurgence of the virus in the country within the last 20 years. A 2021 outbreak in Grand Bassam required the culling of at least 170,000 birds. Veterinary officials state that biosecurity remains a weakness in the local agricultural sector. Farmers are reportedly hesitant to report new cases due to what they consider insufficient compensation levels. The Ministry of Animal Resources states the situation is currently under control following movement restrictions and infection protocols. Over 100 outbreaks of avian influenza have been recorded in recent months, affecting nearly 7 million poultry birds across the European Union.