March 14, 2014

Libya reports first bird flu outbreak in Tubruq farm

Libya has reported its first highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAI) H5N1 outbreak on a farm in the port city of Tubruq (Tobruk) near the Egyptian border.

This is according to Abdunaser Dayhum, Director General, National Centre of Animal Health, Ministry of Agriculture, Animal & Marine Wealth, Zawia, Libya and published in a World Organization of Animal Health (OIE) summary report Wednesday (Mar 12).

The outbreak that began last week occurred at a farm that affected about 50 birds consisting of 45 local backyard chickens and five ducks.

The National Centre of Disease Control Laboratory (National laboratory) has confirmed the presence of the virus via real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The source of the bird flu outbreak is still unknown and the investigation is ongoing.

The country has implemented the following control measures: stamping out, quarantine, movement control inside the country, screening, zoning, disinfection of infected premises/establishment(s), dipping / spraying and vaccination prohibited.

This is the first occurrence of H5N1 avian influenza in the North African country.