By: Emmanuel M. Karnga
Monrovia, Liberia- The National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) has firmly dismissed recent international reports suggesting an outbreak of bird flu (Avian Influenza H5N1) in the country, stating that no such cases have been confirmed through scientific testing.
According to NPHIL, 19 samples collected from the Central Veterinary Laboratory (CVL) of the Ministry of Agriculture were tested at the National Reference Laboratory and returned negative results for the H5N1 virus.
These findings were presented at a joint meeting of the Incidence Management System (IMS) and the National Epidemic Preparedness and Response Committee (NEPRC) attended by representatives from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Africa CDC, and the World Health Organization (WHO).
The response comes after a report by Reuters on April 18, which cited the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) as indicating possible cases of avian flu in Liberia. NPHIL clarified that no poultry farm in Liberia has officially reported unusual deaths among chickens or ducks to date.
“The public should remain calm. There is no scientific evidence of H5N1 bird flu in Liberia at this time,” said Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan, Director-General of NPHIL. E
He emphasized that the National Reference Laboratory, a WHO-certified National Influenza Center, continues routine surveillance and testing for various influenza subtypes as part of Liberia’s One-Health Platform.
NPHIL also cautioned against spreading unverified information about public health threats, urging media outlets and institutions to rely on official laboratory results.
Meanwhile, the institute is supporting the CVL with additional resources to enhance animal disease diagnostics and further surveillance
The public is encouraged to report any unusual animal deaths to veterinary authorities or NPHIL for proper scientific investigation.
“We remain committed to protecting public health and ensuring global health security,” Dr. Nyan added.
