• Burkina Faso conducted awareness missions across key border posts from April 26 to May 2, 2026.

• Neighboring Côte d’Ivoire reported an H5N1 outbreak that killed about 95,000 poultry in April.

• Poultry accounts for nearly 49.5% of Burkina Faso’s 71 million livestock herd, underscoring economic exposure.

The Ministry of Agriculture organized an awareness and information campaign from April 26 to May 2, 2026, across several border control points. Authorities aimed the campaign at preventing the introduction of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, into the country.

The Directorate General of Veterinary Services (DGSV) led the operation across key locations, including Bittou, Dakola, Niangoloko, Kampti, and Ouagadougou Airport. The sessions brought together stakeholders involved in cross-border monitoring. These stakeholders included veterinary services, customs officials, defense and security forces, and epidemiological surveillance teams.

Authorities stated that the initiative aims to reinforce the national health surveillance system against growing risks of transboundary animal diseases in the sub-region. “During the discussions, participants gained extensive insight into the epidemiological situation of avian influenza in the sub-region, its health and economic impacts, as well as early detection and reporting mechanisms,” the ministry said in a statement published on May 4.

This move follows a recent outbreak in neighboring Côte d’Ivoire, which shares a land border with Burkina Faso. On April 16, authorities in that country reported an H5N1 avian influenza outbreak after five years without major cases. According to the World Organisation for Animal Health, the infection—whose origin remains unknown—has already killed around 95,000 poultry.

In response, Ouagadougou has intensified prevention and border surveillance efforts to protect its national livestock and avoid disruptions in poultry supply chains. Burkina Faso last reported an avian influenza outbreak to the World Organisation for Animal Health in March 2024. That episode resulted in the death and culling of nearly 150,000 domestic birds.

The country’s livestock totaled about 71 million animals in 2023, according to the National Institute of Statistics and Demography. Poultry accounted for 49.5% of that figure, highlighting the sector’s critical role in both food security and the economy.

This article was initially published in French by Stéphanas Assocle

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum