International health authorities have confirmed the first avian influenza A (H5N1) outbreak in poultry in Botswana’s Chobe District since 2021, reported in late July 2025. This highly pathogenic strain of bird flu represents a significant development for the southern African nation, which had remained free of H5N1 infections for several years following previous containment efforts.
While no human infections have been documented in connection with this outbreak, health officials emphasize that travelers to the region should exercise caution. The primary recommendation involves avoiding direct contact with poultry, wild birds, and their droppings at high-risk locations such as live markets, poultry farms, and rural agricultural areas where birds are kept or processed.
Additionally, consumption of poultry products should be avoided in affected areas due to difficulty ensuring proper cooking temperatures that would eliminate the virus. This precaution extends to other bird-derived products that may not undergo adequate heat treatment during preparation.
Health authorities stress the importance of symptom monitoring for anyone who has visited the affected region. Any traveler developing respiratory symptoms within 10 days of visiting avian influenza affected regions should seek immediate medical attention and inform healthcare providers of their recent travel history, including specific locations visited and any potential exposure to birds or poultry.
