National Reference Lab Confirms All Samples Test Negative for H5N1 -Says NPHIL

The National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) has officially clarified that no Bird Flu (Avian Influenza H5N1) has been detected in Liberia, following scientific testing conducted on 19 poultry samples obtained from the Central Veterinary Laboratory (CVL) of the Ministry of Agriculture.

In a statement issued Friday, NPHIL said that all tested samples returned negative for the H5N1 virus, as confirmed by the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) a WHO-certified National Influenza Center.

The disclosure was made during a joint Incident Management System (IMS) and National Epidemic Preparedness and Response Committee (NEPRC) meeting attended by country representatives from the US-CDC, Africa CDC, WHO, and other partners.

The clarification comes in response to an April 18 Reuters report citing sources from the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) that suggested an avian flu presence in Liberia.

NPHIL has firmly stated that no poultry farm in Liberia has reported mass deaths of chickens or ducks, and no agency of government has validated such claims.

“NPHIL urges relevant agencies to enhance animal surveillance. We are committed to maintaining vigilance through the One-Health Platform, which links human, animal, and environmental health systems,” said Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan, Director-General of NPHIL and Chair of the Liberia One-Health Technical Working Group.

The Institute emphasized that unverified claims or premature pronouncements regarding infectious disease outbreaks could cause unnecessary panic and urged the public to rely solely on scientifically verified information.

To bolster response and preparedness, NPHIL has pledged logistical and technical support to the CVL to advance diagnostic capabilities and coordinate surveillance activities.

Meanwhile, citizens are encouraged to report any unusual animal deaths to the CVL or NPHIL for prompt scientific investigation.

“There is no cause for alarm. We remain vigilant and are actively protecting public health in line with global health security standards,” Dr. Nyan reassured the public.