By Pateh Kinteh, Banjul, The Gambia. 

Although no outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) disease has been reported in The Gambia so far, however, reports has it that the H5N1 is spreading rapidly across the world. 

Fowl dealers in an Abuja Market , Nigeria

A report made available to stakeholders during a recent seminar on the laid down plans for HPAI in The Gambia indicates “There is real risk of introduction of the disease into the country. The Gambia lies along the Trans Atlantic flyway thus providing sanctuary for migratory birds from Asia and Europe during winter.  

The report states, “Considerable circumstantial evidence suggests that migratory birds can introduce low pathogenic H5 and H7 viruses to poultry, which then mutate to the highly pathogenic form. The proximity of our wetlands to human settlements presents a risk of introduction as a result of shared habitats between wild and domesticated birds.”  

It further outlines that despite the ban on importation of live poultry and poultry products from all countries where the disease has been confirmed, the latest outbreak in Egypt and particularly in Nigeria (which is in the sub region) poses a significant risk factor as it is difficult to exclude illegal importation of poultry products and wild birds into the country. Furthermore, the report noted that the Economic Community of West African States’ (ECOWAS) protocol on free movement of people and commodities among member states poses an epidemiological risk for the spread of the disease in the sub-region. 

                   Specifies of Birds 

The report point out that the disease can easily spread into the country due to the relatively low level of awareness and the free range system of poultry husbandry, urging that there is a need for an integrated communication strategy for behavior change. In addition, it states that the proximity between poultry and people at household and market level increases the risk of transmission of the virus. 

“The Weak surveillance systems in health, livestock and wildlife are primarily due to inadequate human resources and logistic support, as well as inadequate rapid response system including laboratory preparedness. Lack of vaccines for poultry and essential drugs for humans can be additional important risk factors for the diffusion of AI. 

“The consequences of the disease outbreak will be disastrous in terms of household food security, public health, economy, trade and tourism. Thus there is urgent need for the Gambia to develop a comprehensive multi-sectoral influenza preparedness and response plan covering both animal and human health. The plan will guide not only policy and strategic framework for multi-sectoral response to avian influenza, but also serve as an important instrument for resource mobilization as well as guarantee efficient and effective use of limited resources. The plan will specifically address the challenges in the areas of: intensification of public awareness on AI, Surveillance of disease in wild birds poultry and humans and, prevention and control among poultry and humans.” 

The report further indicates that prevention of AI is made increasingly difficult by the fact that migratory birds serve as the main source of injection to domestic poultry. “Strict bio security, public awareness on AI and heightened surveillance activities are integral in the exclusion and early detection of the disease in any Country. Control activities in the face of an outbreak should include the stamping out and (burial) of poultry in outbreak areas.  Vaccination as a control strategy has to be combined with the activities stated above,” the report warned. 

The report points out that presently, the Country is faced with a weak surveillance system, inadequate capacity in both human and animal laboratories, inadequate human resources, medical equipment and other supplies as well as weak bio-security at farms and entry points. “In light of the above constraints, the Country is ill-prepared for an AI outbreak. The report cautions that Intervention strategies and activities need to be in place to prevent and control the Avian Influenza.