Morocco Ramps Up Avian Flu Prevention Measures Amid Global Outbreaks

Thus, poultry farmers are advised to treat any suspected case with more vigilance, in order to better contain the spread of the virus. Given that reports indicate the appearance of a highly contagious strain of the H5N8 virus and the recording of several outbreaks of contamination in many countries, the local authorities of several cities are urging provincial officials to take essential precautions and report any case of contamination.

To recall, in 2016, Morocco had recorded the first case of contamination by the avian influenza virus, forcing the implementation of emergency measures. Thus, veterinarians, inspectors from poultry slaughterhouses, border posts and laboratories were ordered to submit reports to the National Office of Food Safety (ONSSA). In addition, these officials were required to locate the owners and managers of poultry farms and individuals who raise poultry at home.

In 2017, the return of this virus had led to a high mortality of poultry and a disproportionate drop in chicken prices, although the H9N2 avian influenza, a low pathogenic virus and not transmissible to humans, therefore not dangerous for the consumer, as indicated by ONSSA.