Namibia has confirmed an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in wild birds in the Karas Region, with authorities announcing on Monday, 15 December, that the H5N1 virus was detected near the coastal town of Lüderitz.
In a statement, the Directorate of Veterinary Services under the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform said laboratory tests conducted by the Central Veterinary Laboratory in Windhoek on December 10 confirmed a zoonotic strain of H5N1 in common terns, raising concerns over potential transmission to humans.
The outbreak was identified after a sick wild bird was found in a residential area of Lüderitz, triggering veterinary sampling. Officials reported that around 30 wild birds showing signs of infection have since been observed on Mercury Island, close to the town, with migratory birds suspected as the source.
Authorities cautioned that domestic poultry faces heightened risk through direct contact with infected wild birds or indirect exposure via contaminated equipment, feed, water or surfaces.
Surveillance and containment measures are underway as officials move to assess the scale of the outbreak and stem further spread, signalling a precautionary posture to protect both animal and public health.