00:00South African authorities have confirmed new outbreaks of the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza strain
00:08in two poultry farms according to the World Organization for Animal Health.
00:13These are the country's first reported cases since September 2024.
00:18The Paris-based agency noted that the virus, known for its severe impact on bird populations
00:24and potential risk to humans, was detected during routine surveillance.
00:30Although H5N1 rarely infects humans, health experts continue to monitor the situation closely
00:37due to its potential to mutate.
00:40The government has not yet reported any human cases.
00:43However, the public is being urged to avoid contact with sick or dead birds
00:47and to report unusual poultry deaths in veterinary services.
00:52The outbreak poses a threat to South Africa's poultry industry,
00:56which was hit hard by similar outbreaks in recent years, leading to curling and trade restrictions.
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