Two separate outbreaks of the highly pathogenic H7 avian influenza have been confirmed in poultry farms located east of Johannesburg, South Africa, as reported by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH). These outbreaks, situated in Victor Khanye, Mpumalanga province, have resulted in the loss of 9,500 birds. One farm reported 2,000 poultry deaths, while the other experienced losses of 7,500.
This particular strain of avian flu, H7, differs from the more widespread H5N1 variant responsible for significant global poultry losses. While concerning, the emergence of H7 underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the poultry industry in managing avian influenza outbreaks.
