(Date of previous outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Niger reported to the OIE: October 1995).

Report date: 28 February 2006.

An outbreak of avian influenza due to highly pathogenic virus subtype H5N1 was reported in Magaria District, Zinder Region. Magaria district borders the State of Kano, in Nigeria, where highly pathogenic avian influenza due to virus subtype H5N1 has been confirmed to be present.

Date of first confirmation of the event: 27 February 2006.

Date of start of the event: 13 February 2006.

Clinical disease: yes.

Nature of diagnosis: clinical, post-mortem and laboratory.

Number of susceptible animals in the outbreak: approximately 20,000 traditionally-reared poultry (all breeds).

Laboratory where diagnostic tests were performed: OIE Reference Laboratory for avian influenza and Newcastle disease, Padova, Italy.

Source of outbreak or origin of infection: possible introduction of infected poultry from Nigeria.