WOAH reports new cases of H5N1 HPAI in Denmark, Nigeria

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has reported new cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in poultry in Denmark and Nigeria.

Reports on the situations in both countries were published on the WOAH website on September 11. In both countries, an H5N1 variant of HPAI was detected.

Avian influenza in Denmark

The presence of HPAI was confirmed at a poultry holding in Vester Ulslev, Denmark.

According to the WOAH report, on September 8, 2024, a clinical suspicion was reported to the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration. The affected poultry holding consists of approximately 3,500 ducks and 2,800 hens. On the premises, 200 of the susceptible 6,300 birds had died.

Samples from the flock were taken to a national reference laboratory, which confirmed that the birds had been affected by an H5N1 variant of HPAI.

A 3-kilometer protection zone and a 10-kilometer surveillance zone have been established. The birds are being depopulated and the carcasses will be disposed of by rendering.

According to WOAH, the last case of H5N1 HPAI in Denmark was confirmed in February.

HPAI in Nigeria

WOAH reported a new outbreak of HPAI in Ugbeyiyi, Nigeria. In late August, it was reported that an entire flock of 1,590 poultry birds had died. Samples from the flock were tested and found consistent with H5N1 HPAI.

According to WOAH, a total of 2,410,875 birds in Nigeria have been lost as a result of H5N1 HPAI.

View our continuing coverage of the global avian influenza situation.