Libya reports first H5N1 bird flu outbreak on Tubruq farm
Libya has reported its first outbreak of Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAI) H5N1 on a farm in the port city of Tubruq (Tobruk) near the Egyptian border, according to Dr 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 today.
The outbreak that began last week occurred at a farm that affected about 50 birds (45 local backyard chickens and 5 ducks).
The presence of the virus was confirmed by the National Center of Disease Control Laboratory (National laboratory) via real-time PCR.
The source of the outbreak is still unknown and the investigation is ongoing.
The following control measures have been put in place: 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.
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