UNCLAS ABIDJAN 000883

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: TBIO EAGR EMED IV
SUBJECT: COTE D'IVOIRE: AVIAN INFLUENZA IN SAN PEDRO

REF: ABIDJAN 454


1. On June 10, five chickens and a wild bird were discovered
dead in an industrial rubber plantation near the port city of
San Pedro, 500 km southwest of Abidjan. According to a July
20 report published by the Ministry of Animal Husbandry, the
specimens tested on June 28 by the National Agricultural
Development Support Laboratory of Bingerville (near Abidjan)
revealed the birds were infected with Avian Influenza (AI).


2. According to our World Health Organization contacts, the
results of the initial test did confirm that the animals died
from AI, but there has not yet been a second test to
determine which strain it was. WHO contacts told us that the
government's response to the suspected presence of AI in San
Pedro has included partial culling, screening and
disinfection of the affected premises. Poultry vaccination
operations were also reportedly carried out in the
surrounding area in order to contain the disease. A
sensitization and information campaign was organized for
consumers and poultry farmers in the San Pedro region.


3. There have been no further reports of AI in Cote
d'Ivoire. Post will continue to monitor the situation.

Hooks