COTE D'IVOIRE: AVIAN INFLUENZA IN SAN PEDRO

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