Namibia has confirmed an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza among wild birds in the southern Karas Region, officials reported. The Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) under the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform said the virus was detected in common terns near the coastal town of Luderitz.
Tests conducted by the Central Veterinary Laboratory in Windhoek on December 10 confirmed the presence of a zoonotic H5N1 strain, indicating the virus has the potential to infect humans. The outbreak was first noticed when a sick wild bird was found in a residential area of Luderitz, prompting veterinarians to collect samples.
So far, about 30 wild birds showing signs of infection have been observed on Mercury Island, close to Luderitz. Authorities suspect the outbreak originated from migratory birds.
The DVS cautioned that domestic poultry could be infected either through direct contact with wild birds or indirectly via contaminated feed, water, equipment, or surfaces. Veterinary teams are working to assess the outbreak’s extent and implement measures to prevent further spread.
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