The head of Libya’s National Centre for Animal Health, Mohamed Al-Aqab, has warned of the spread of the H9N2 avian influenza virus across several Libyan regions.
Speaking to the Libyan News Agency (LANA), Al-Aqab said the virus has become endemic in poultry farms, calling for strengthened veterinary surveillance and vaccination programmes to mitigate its risks.
He explained that a recent field survey of migratory birds revealed several cases of avian influenza consistent with findings from a previous study conducted by the Libyan Biotechnology Research Centre.
According to Al-Aqab, infections were detected in multiple areas, including Benghazi, Al-Marj, Al-Bayda, and Al-Tamimi, east of Derna. This indicates the virus is spreading in different parts of the country, he added, stressing the need for continued veterinary monitoring and regular vaccination to protect both the poultry industry and public health.
Al-Aqab also referred to an earlier study that focused on antibody responses in broiler chickens in south-west Tripoli, which provided crucial insights into the timing of vaccination and immunity effectiveness. The latest survey, he said, supports those findings and highlights the importance of ongoing surveillance of the virus.
He confirmed that the National Centre for Animal Health will continue to monitor the epidemiological situation, issue technical recommendations to relevant authorities, and work to safeguard the livestock sector while minimising any potential impact on the local market.
