Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL) – In response to the outbreak of avian influenza, or bird flu, in Gambia, emergency measures have been implemented to contain the spread of the highly contagious virus. The outbreak was first detected in early March 2023, when a number of dead birds were found in a Gambian nature reserve. Testing confirmed the presence of the bird flu virus, which posed a significant risk to local wild birds and domestic poultry.

Gambia, situated on a key bird migration route between Europe and Africa, faced the urgent need to prevent the outbreak from escalating. To address this challenge, the Gambian authorities sought support from the German Epidemic Preparedness Team (SEEG), working on behalf of the Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the Ministry of Health (BMG), and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL).

SEEG deployed a team of international experts who employed the One Health approach, considering human, animal, and environmental health together. This holistic approach allowed for a comprehensive assessment of the situation, incorporating expertise from human and animal health sectors. SEEG provided diagnostic training to local scientists and additional training to park rangers in Gambia.

Jan Matern from SEEG praised the collaboration, stating, “Thanks to our dedicated Gambian colleagues, we have established a solid basis for cross-sectoral cooperation that will help The Gambia fight any future bird flu outbreaks.” The SEEG team is part of the Global Programme for Pandemic Prevention and Response, with previous successful missions in West Africa and Latin America.

Experts from the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Robert Koch Institute, and Wadden Sea Secretariat also contributed to the efforts in Gambia. The adaptability of the bird flu virus poses a global threat, with infections in humans potentially leading to severe illness or death. The swift and coordinated response in Gambia demonstrates the importance of international cooperation in addressing public health emergencies.