The Gambia bans importation of live birds from Senegal amid bird flu outbreak

The Gambian Ministry of Agriculture announced on Friday the imposition of a ban on live poultry birds and poultry products from Senegal following the recent outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly called bird flu type H5N1 in the neighbouring country.

"The ultimate objective of this message is protecting human lives and enhancing food security being a clear indication of the commitment of The Government of The Gambia to protect its citizens and their livelihoods," the ministry said in a statement.

According to the ministry, the products captured as being banned include live poultry birds of all ages, chicken meat, and egg from Senegal and other countries that are affected by the outbreak.

"This ban will be effective until such time when the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and the Senegalese authorities confirm that the outbreak is completely contained, and new cases of the disease have not occurred in Senegal," the statement said.

The Gambia is surrounded by Senegal in all fronts except the Atlantic Ocean, but the small West African nation is yet to confirm a bird flu outbreak.