Global Risk, Regional Dynamics and Status of Avian Influenza in Kenya : A Review

Avian influenza (AI), caused by the Avian Influenza virus (AIV), is a growing threat to poultry production and global public health. Originally confined to wild birds, AIV has spread to domestic poultry, with highly pathogenic strains such as H5N1, H7N8, and H5N8 causing severe outbreaks worldwide. In Kenya, poultry farming is a key economic sector, contributing to food security, poverty reduction, and employment. However, AIV infections pose significant risks to this industry, potentially undermining its economic benefits. Understanding the global, regional, and local dynamics of AIV, along with associated risk factors, is crucial for improving disease management and biosecurity. The study utilized a comprehensive analysis of existing literature, including surveillance reports and health and veterinary data, to identify trends, risks, and solutions for improving AIV surveillance and control in Kenya. The global threat of AIV has intensified due to its potential for cross-species transmission. In Europe, AIV has been found in mammals like sheep, and in the Americas, it has spread to dairy cows and backyard poultry flocks. In Asia, high-density poultry farming and poor biosecurity practices have created conditions that favor the spread and mutation of the virus, raising concerns about a potential pandemic. In Kenya, surveillance data shows a worrying rise in AIV prevalence in poultry, from a 0.8% positivity rate in 2009-2011 to 3.9% in 2018-2020. This increase is exacerbated by inadequate biosecurity, particularly in live bird markets (LBMs), which facilitate virus transmission among poultry and humans. To address this growing threat, the study recommends enhanced surveillance, improved biosecurity protocols, and international collaboration. In high-risk regions like Kenya, tailored vaccination strategies and stronger biosecurity measures are essential to preventing outbreaks. A global, coordinated effort is needed to improve early detection, prevention, and preparedness, protecting both animal and human health and ensuring the sustainability of the poultry industry worldwide.