Highly pathogenic avian influenza (A/H5N1) virus outbreaks in Lesotho, May 2021.

In May 2021, Lesotho reported its first outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) to the OIE. Samples were collected from infected poultry and the virus was confirmed by molecular tests to be of the H5N1 subtype. Full genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed that the viruses belonged to clade 2.

Spatial Patterns of Anthrax Outbreaks and Cases among Livestock in Lesotho, 2005-2016.

Background: Although anthrax occurs globally, the burden of the disease remains particularly high in Africa. Furthermore, the disease anthrax has significant public health and economic implications. However, sufficient attention has not been given to the geographic distribution of anthrax outbreaks and cases in Lesotho.

Temporal patterns of anthrax outbreaks among livestock in Lesotho, 2005-2016.

Background: Although anthrax is endemic in Lesotho, limited information is available on the patterns of the disease among livestock animals. This study investigated temporal patterns of anthrax outbreaks and cases among livestock animals in Lesotho.

Methods: Secondary data of anthrax outbreaks reported to the Department of Livestock Services between January 2005 and December 2016 was used for this study.