Despite war, young malawians are turning to israel for work amid economic crisis at home. Young adults in africa are applying for jobs on israeli farms, many of which desperately need workers following the october 7th hamas attack. However five years ago, it was a different story, many african migrants were being chased out of the nation by force. Most of them seem to have forgotten the past and are willing to stay the course.

Israel-Hamas War: African youth unfazed by the war, seeks opportunities in Israel

Another tiny nation got embroiled in scuffles between the army and some rebel factions forcing the president to dissolve parliament. Guinea-bissau's leader umaro sissoco embalo issued a decree, saying that the date of forthcoming legislative elections will be set at the opportune moment, in line with the constitution. Earlier it was sierra leone having to deal with another attempted coup, indicating the fragility these nations that lie along the continent's west coast

Unstable tiny nations of Africa's west

Tanzania President has cut short his trip to the COP28 summit in Dubai after disaster struck back home. Deadly landslides and floods triggered by heavy rainfall has claimed over 60 lives and injured over 100.

Africa | Tanzania floods claims 63 lives, 116 injured; President cuts short COP28 visit | WION

More than two million people have been displaced across the Horn of Africa due to torrential rain and flood, the news agency AFP reported late Thursday (Nov 30).

More than two million people have been displaced across the Horn of Africa due to torrential rain and flood, the news agency AFP reported late Thursday (Nov 30). Almost 300 people died in Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia. The heavy rainfall has been linked to the El Nino weather pattern and struck as the Horn of Africa was emerging from the worst drought in four decades that drove millions into hunger. On the first day of the COP28 summit in Dubai on Thursday, Action Against Hunger said in a statement that it was a dire situation in the region. "Regions that were struggling to recover from the economic and environmental impacts of prolonged drought are now doubly burdened with flooding," it added. The Horn of Africa is one of the regions most vulnerable to climate change, despite Africa's contribution to global carbon emissions being a fraction of the total. A deep humanitarian crisis in Somalia This latest incident of flooding has caused a deep humanitarian crisis in Somalia. On Thursday, United Nations and Somali officials said in a joint statement that more than 100 people died and over one million were displaced. Authorities in the capital city of Mogadishu declared a state of emergency last month and warned against the proliferation of disease. The statement said that an estimated 1.5 million children under the age of five were facing acute malnutrition over the period between August this year and July 2024. It added that floodwaters could swamp more than 1.5 million hectares in December. The flooding has already engulfed homes and farmland and left many communities marooned. Roads and bridges have been damaged, and hospitals and schools remain closed. Fears of widespread cholera The UN's humanitarian response agency OCHA said that 57 people have died and over 600,000 people have been displaced in Ethiopia due to the flooding. The country has been hit by a new cholera outbreak. In the Somali region, cholera has claimed the lives of at least 23 people, with a total of 772 confirmed cases, Save the Children said Thursday. Save the Children warned the cholera outbreak across Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa could spiral out of control if swift action was not taken by governments and donors to provide clean drinking water and sanitation facilities for communities forced out of their homes by flooding. Meanwhile, in Kenya, flooding killed 136 people with over 460,000 people displaced. (With inputs from agencies)

Over two million displaced due to floods across Horn of Africa

Africa's first female billionaire Isabelle Dos Santos is under scrutiny for corruption allegations in Angola. The corruption scandal dates back years with accusations that Santos steered public funds towards her personal businesses.

Africa: First female billionaire Isabel Dos Santos faces corruption charges | World News | WION

<o:p></o:p>Angolan billionaire Isabel dos Santos is contesting an application to freeze approximately £580 million ($736 million) of her assets, claiming she is a victim of Angola's "campaign of oppression." <o:p></o:p>

According to Reuters, Dos Santos, Africa's first female billionaire and daughter of former President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, has faced longstanding corruption allegations in Angola. She rejects the charges, asserting that they are part of a protracted political vendetta, resulting in the freezing or seizure of her assets in Angola and Portugal. <o:p></o:p>

The legal battle centres on loans made by Angolan telecoms operator Unitel to Dutch company Unitel International Holdings (UIH) in 2012 and 2013, during dos Santos' tenure as a Unitel director. Dos Santos contends that Unitel is complicit in Angola's unlawful seizure of UIH's assets, leading to the outstanding debt.<o:p></o:p>

Dos Santos accuses Unitel of playing a role in the inability of UIH to repay the loans and frames the case as part of a broader political struggle. Unitel disputes dos Santos' narrative, stating that she is attempting to turn the legal proceedings into "another battle in a PR war against her father's successor", Joao Lourenco. <o:p></o:p>

The ongoing legal confrontation sheds light on dos Santos' wealth accumulation, characterised by Unitel as a "classic tale of kleptocracy (and) corruption". The telecoms company is seeking a global freezing order to prevent dos Santos from moving her assets out of its reach.<o:p></o:p>

In the courtroom, dos Santos' lawyer, Richard Hill, asserts that Unitel's application is part of a "politically motivated campaign by the Angolan state”. He challenges the legitimacy of the Angolan freezing order, alleging that it was obtained with "fabricated evidence, which included a forged copy of her passport featuring the signature of Bruce Lee." <o:p></o:p>

The legal proceedings are unfolding amid broader geopolitical dynamics, with dos Santos framing herself as a victim of political persecution. The hearing of Unitel's freezing order application is set to conclude on Thursday, and a ruling is expected at a later date, bringing further clarity to this high-stakes legal battle. <o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from Reuters)<o:p></o:p>

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Angolan billionaire Isabel dos Santos is contesting an application to freeze approximately £580 million ($736 million) of her assets, claiming she is a victim of Angola's "campaign of oppression.

Angolan billionaire Isabel dos Santos is contesting an application to freeze approximately £580 million ($736 million) of her assets, claiming she is a victim of Angola's "campaign of oppression." According to Reuters, Dos Santos, Africa's first female billionaire and daughter of former President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, has faced longstanding corruption allegations in Angola. She rejects the charges, asserting that they are part of a protracted political vendetta, resulting in the freezing or seizure of her assets in Angola and Portugal. The legal battle centres on loans made by Angolan telecoms operator Unitel to Dutch company Unitel International Holdings (UIH) in 2012 and 2013, during dos Santos' tenure as a Unitel director. Dos Santos contends that Unitel is complicit in Angola's unlawful seizure of UIH's assets, leading to the outstanding debt. Dos Santos accuses Unitel of playing a role in the inability of UIH to repay the loans and frames the case as part of a broader political struggle. Unitel disputes dos Santos' narrative, stating that she is attempting to turn the legal proceedings into "another battle in a PR war against her father's successor", Joao Lourenco. The ongoing legal confrontation sheds light on dos Santos' wealth accumulation, characterised by Unitel as a "classic tale of kleptocracy (and) corruption". The telecoms company is seeking a global freezing order to prevent dos Santos from moving her assets out of its reach. In the courtroom, dos Santos' lawyer, Richard Hill, asserts that Unitel's application is part of a "politically motivated campaign by the Angolan state”. He challenges the legitimacy of the Angolan freezing order, alleging that it was obtained with "fabricated evidence, which included a forged copy of her passport featuring the signature of Bruce Lee." The legal proceedings are unfolding amid broader geopolitical dynamics, with dos Santos framing herself as a victim of political persecution. The hearing of Unitel's freezing order application is set to conclude on Thursday, and a ruling is expected at a later date, bringing further clarity to this high-stakes legal battle. (With inputs from Reuters) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Angolan woman billionaire battles $736mn asset freeze, alleges political persecution

Extreme weather events are posing an increased risk to nature, buildings, infrastructure, and human health. These events, expected to increase in frequency and intensity because of climate change, are already causing substantial damage and loss. This is being felt in Africa, while the north is drenched in immense flash floods, the south is reeling under unprecedented heat waves and droughts

El nino strikes northeast, as sun scorches Southern Africa

Recycling plastic waste is gathering momentum in addis ababa, it's all part of efforts to combat urban decay in the ethiopian capital.

Combating urban decay in Addis Ababa

The United Nations is stressing that South Sudan must secure public confidence to ensure that its first post-independence elections in December 2024 will be held peacefully.

Road to South Sudan 2024 polls | World Of Africa

Nigerians have found a unique solution in Lagos - the shadow rage room. For $8, visitors can enjoy a 20-minute session of breaking glass, smashing wardrobes, and destroying electronics, providing an outlet for frustrations.

Nigerian room provides outlet for frustrations | World Of Africa

Sierra Leone's government said it was in full control on Sunday (Nov 26) evening after reporting an attack at a military armoury in the capital Freetown that sparked armed clashes, which the president called an attempt to destabilise the state.

Sierra Leone's government said it was in full control on Sunday (Nov 26) evening after reporting an attack at a military armoury in the capital Freetown that sparked armed clashes, which the president called an attempt to destabilise the state. Authorities in the English-speaking West African country that has been going through a political crisis following elections in June this year -- have declared a national curfew until further notice. President Julius Maada Bio said late Sunday that calm had been restored after what he described as an attempt to undermine peace and stability in the country. "Most of the leaders have been arrested. Security operations and investigations are ongoing," Bio said on national television, adding that the government would "ensure that those responsible are held accountable". An AFP journalist said calm was slowly returning to the capital by Sunday evening, but checkpoints heavily guarded by security forces remained in place. The "government is in firm control of the security situation in Freetown, the attackers are retreating," information minister Chernor Bah earlier told AFP. Videos posted on social media appeared to show men in uniform under arrest in the back or beside a military pick-up truck. Earlier in the day, witnesses told AFP they heard gunshots and explosions in the city's Wilberforce district, where the armoury and some embassies are located. Other witnesses reported exchanges of fire near a barracks in Murray Town district, home to the navy, and outside another military site in Freetown. The information ministry reported attacks on prisons earlier in the day that obliged the security forces to retreat. "The prisons were thus overrun" with some detainees released and others "abducted", it said. Video posted on social networks suggested numerous prisoners had escaped from the central jail. One man who was in a group filmed on the street by an AFP correspondent said they had escaped from the prison. The information ministry said security forces had pushed the attackers to the outskirts of Freetown, with drone video taken by AFP showing empty streets in the capital. The situation remained unclear with the authorities making no comments on the motives or identity of the attackers. Also read | Sierra Leone under curfew after military armoury attacked 'Like a war' President Bio wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that the government would "continue to protect the peace and security of Sierra Leone against the forces that wish to truncate our much-cherished stability". "We remain resolute in our determination to protect democracy in Sierra Leone." Regional bloc the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which has contended with a series of coups among its members since 2020, issued a statement underlining "its zero-tolerance for unconstitutional change of government". Echoing language used to condemn past coup attempts, ECOWAS spoke of its "utter disgust" over a "plot by certain individuals to acquire arms and disturb the peace and constitutional order". The US embassy condemned on social media the bid to break into the armoury and offered continued support for those "working for a peaceful, democratic, healthy and prosperous Sierra Leone". The European Union's local representation expressed concern and called for the respect of constitutional order. Witness Susan Kargbo told AFP by telephone she was woken "by a loud sound of heavy machine gun (fire) and bombs coming from the Wilberforce barracks around 4:30 am. "I was shocked and... the gunshots continued until this morning, it was like a war," she said. Attackers 'repelled' The government said those attempting to break into the armoury had been repelled but asked the public to stay at home while security operations continued. The local representations of the UK and the European Union echoed the authorities' advice to stay at home. The civil aviation authority said Sierra Leone's airspace remained open but asked airlines to reschedule their flights after the lifting of the curfew. President Bio, who was first elected in 2018, was re-elected in June with 56.17 per cent of the vote -- just over the 55 per cent needed to avoid a run-off. International observers condemned inconsistencies and a lack of transparency in the count, as well as acts of violence and intimidation. The main opposition All People's Congress (APC) party disputed the results of the presidential, legislative and local elections on June 24 and boycotted all levels of government. The APC and the government signed an agreement in October following talks mediated by the Commonwealth, the African Union and ECOWAS. The APC agreed to end its boycott and begin participating in government in exchange for an end to detentions and court cases it said were politically motivated.

Sierra Leone: Calm restored after gunmen attack military barracks, claims president

The first-ever Africa cinema summit kicked off in Ghana’s capital, Accra. The continent is realising its potential as a film powerhouse and better accessibility of filmmaking technology has led to the emergence of a new generation of filmmakers. The recent huge success of the Nigerian Netflix thriller, the black book is also a reflection of the international reach of African productions.

Africa's film powerhouse needs a little gist | World of Africa

From a dishwasher to a cake boss! 38-year-old South African- Davy Tsopo has made quite a name for himself. After getting retrenched due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he spent his free time learning the craft of baking. From zero experience, he now bakes between 50-60 cakes in a month.

From a dish washer to a cake boss

Kenya's government says that its police officers will not be deployed to Haiti until all conditions on training and funding are met in line with last month’s approval from the UN security council to give the Eastern African country command of a multinational mission to combat violent gangs in the troubled Caribbean country. Meanwhile, Haiti is reporting a fresh round of gang-related killings and kidnappings as it awaits help.

Kenya: Mission to Haiti stalled yet again

Flash floods in Southwestern Somalia have claimed more than two dozen lives and displaced hundreds of thousands from their homes. According to the National Disaster Management Agency - the heavy rain has wreaked havoc in this East African town.

Africa: 29 killed in Somalia floods, more than 300,000 forced to flee their homes | World DNA

The Maasai women of Kenya's laikipia county are overcoming an environmental hazard caused by an invasive prickly pear, transforming it into bio-gas and preserved fruits. Parts of the cactus called opuntia is edible, but its outer layers are very harmful to livestock which try to graze on it.

Kenyan Maasai women turn cacti into enterprise

Sports commentator Aderonke Adesola is not the voice most Nigerians expect to hear on the radio. She is 25 years old, a woman and hosts her show in the local language Yoruba instead of English, which dominates most programming in Nigeria.

Nigerian sports radio host uses native language

Experts have finally found the reason behind the mysterious mass deaths of African elephants. In a new report, scientists have said that the outbreaks could be more likely due to conditions created by global warming and the climate crisis.&nbsp;

In 2020, the sudden deaths of African elephants in Botswana and Zimbabwe in 2020 led to considerable public interest and speculation.&nbsp;

In the early phase of the investigation, poaching and malicious poisoning were ruled out and other potential causes included environmental intoxication, infectious diseases, and increased habitat stress due to ongoing drought.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-put-martian-rock-that-hit-earth-in-nuclear-reactor-and-solved-tricky-puzzle-656117">Scientists put Martian rock that hit Earth in nuclear reactor and solved tricky puzzle</a>

As quoted by CNN, Dr Chris Foggin, who is a veterinarian at Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust in Zimbabwe, said: "They died over a very narrow window. That's one of the most enigmatic parts of the whole puzzle."&nbsp;

"That many animals dying quite close together but not right next to each other over such a narrow space of time. It's really to my mind, rather unique, certainly in this part of the world," added Foggin, who is also the coauthor of the study on the cause of the deaths.&nbsp;

The elephants died as food and water resources declined during the dry season, forcing them to travel greater distances to find water and feed. Later, it was established that a bacterial infection killed the elephants. The conclusion was based on the research on samples taken from 15 of the animals that died in Zimbabwe.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/flesh-eater-lamprey-species-discovered-in-china-from-160-million-year-old-fossil-655355">‘Flesh-eater’ lamprey species discovered in China from 160 million-year-old fossil</a>&nbsp;

The analysis, published in the journal Nature Communications on Oct 25, revealed all the details. The study, titled "Pasteurella sp. associated with fatal septicaemia in six African elephants", showed evidence of infection by a little-known bacterium called Bisgaard taxon 45 that caused septicemia, or blood poisoning.&nbsp;

"We analyse elephant carcasses and environmental samples and fail to find evidence of cyanobacterial or other intoxication. Post-mortem and histological findings suggest a bacterial septicaemia similar to haemorrhagic septicaemia caused by P. multocida," the study said.&nbsp;

The study mentioned that African elephants (Loxodonta africana) are a flagship species threatened by poaching and habitat destruction. Elephant numbers have dropped by 144,000 between 2007 and 2014, to 350,000, with continuous losses projected at 8% per year, according to the IUCN Red List.&nbsp;

Experts have finally found the reason behind the mysterious mass deaths of African elephants. In a new report, scientists have said that the outbreaks could be more likely due to conditions created by global warming and the climate crisis.

Experts have finally found the reason behind the mysterious mass deaths of African elephants. In a new report, scientists have said that the outbreaks could be more likely due to conditions created by global warming and the climate crisis. In 2020, the sudden deaths of African elephants in Botswana and Zimbabwe in 2020 led to considerable public interest and speculation. In the early phase of the investigation, poaching and malicious poisoning were ruled out and other potential causes included environmental intoxication, infectious diseases, and increased habitat stress due to ongoing drought. Also read: Scientists put Martian rock that hit Earth in nuclear reactor and solved tricky puzzle As quoted by CNN, Dr Chris Foggin, who is a veterinarian at Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust in Zimbabwe, said: "They died over a very narrow window. That's one of the most enigmatic parts of the whole puzzle." "That many animals dying quite close together but not right next to each other over such a narrow space of time. It's really to my mind, rather unique, certainly in this part of the world," added Foggin, who is also the coauthor of the study on the cause of the deaths. The elephants died as food and water resources declined during the dry season, forcing them to travel greater distances to find water and feed. Later, it was established that a bacterial infection killed the elephants. The conclusion was based on the research on samples taken from 15 of the animals that died in Zimbabwe. Also read: ‘Flesh-eater’ lamprey species discovered in China from 160 million-year-old fossil The analysis, published in the journal Nature Communications on Oct 25, revealed all the details. The study, titled "Pasteurella sp. associated with fatal septicaemia in six African elephants", showed evidence of infection by a little-known bacterium called Bisgaard taxon 45 that caused septicemia, or blood poisoning. "We analyse elephant carcasses and environmental samples and fail to find evidence of cyanobacterial or other intoxication. Post-mortem and histological findings suggest a bacterial septicaemia similar to haemorrhagic septicaemia caused by P. multocida," the study said. The study mentioned that African elephants (Loxodonta africana) are a flagship species threatened by poaching and habitat destruction. Elephant numbers have dropped by 144,000 between 2007 and 2014, to 350,000, with continuous losses projected at 8% per year, according to the IUCN Red List.

We may finally know the reason behind mysterious deaths of African elephants

Nigeria hosted the 4th edition of the ‘Door of Return’ festival. In this symbolic annual event, diasporans of African descent were received through the same route that their forefathers were shipped from Africa as slaves.

African diasporans relieve forefathers past

Lagos showcased indigenous fashion from Africa and the diaspora at the 13th Lagos Fashion Week presentation. Featuring a mix of designers from across the continent, the annual fashion show celebrates and provides a market for local brands mostly highlighting African culture and crafts in various colours and styles.

Nigeria celebrates African culture & crafts

Nigeria's Supreme Court on Thursday upheld President Bola Tinubu's election win, bringing to an end a legal challenge brought by his two main rivals, who argued that his victory was marred by irregularities.

The ruling will give 71-year-old Tinubu a clear mandate to govern Africa's most populous nation, which is grappling with double-digit inflation, foreign currency shortages, a weakening naira, widespread insecurity and crude oil theft.

The biggest opposition, People's Democratic Party (PDP), said it was "alarmed and disappointed" by the ruling, but Tinubu welcomed the judgment.

"We are all members of one household, and this moment demands that we continue to work and build our country together," Tinubu said in a statement.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-everything-about-bola-tinubu-nigerias-president-elect-567275">EXPLAINED | Everything about Bola Tinubu, Nigeria's president-elect</a>

Nigeria returned to democracy in 1999 after three decades of almost uninterrupted military rule, but accusations of ballot-rigging and fraud have followed its electoral cycles.

The judgment by seven Supreme Court judges, which is final, follows a pattern seen in previous presidential elections that have been challenged in court. None of the attempts to overturn results through the courts has been successful.

"This judgment by the Supreme Court has evidently shaken the confidence of Nigerians in the judiciary, especially the Supreme Court as the last hope of the common man," the PDP said.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nigerian-president-might-lose-power-even-before-g20-convenes-in-delhi-632886">Nigerian president might lose power even before G20 convenes in Delhi</a>

Atiku Abubakar of the PDP and Peter Obi of the Labour Party came second and third respectively in the February vote, but rejected the result and called for Tinubu's win to be annulled.

The two opposition leaders had appealed a Sept. 6 tribunal judgment that endorsed Tinubu's victory.

In the appeal, they argued that the electoral commission failed to electronically transmit results from polling stations to an online portal, which undermined their authenticity.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/violent-protests-erupt-in-nigeria-over-scarcity-of-cash-reports-562541">Nigeria president defends currency swap but orders old notes to remain in circulation</a>

They also said Tinubu had won less than 25 per cent&nbsp;of the vote in the federal capital Abuja so he did not meet the legal threshold to become president.

The judges dismissed all their arguments.

Nigeria's Supreme Court on Thursday upheld President Bola Tinubu's election win, bringing to an end a legal challenge brought by his two main rivals, who argued that his victory was marred by irregularities.

Nigeria's Supreme Court on Thursday upheld President Bola Tinubu's election win, bringing to an end a legal challenge brought by his two main rivals, who argued that his victory was marred by irregularities. The ruling will give 71-year-old Tinubu a clear mandate to govern Africa's most populous nation, which is grappling with double-digit inflation, foreign currency shortages, a weakening naira, widespread insecurity and crude oil theft. The biggest opposition, People's Democratic Party (PDP), said it was "alarmed and disappointed" by the ruling, but Tinubu welcomed the judgment. "We are all members of one household, and this moment demands that we continue to work and build our country together," Tinubu said in a statement. ALSO READ | EXPLAINED | Everything about Bola Tinubu, Nigeria's president-elect Nigeria returned to democracy in 1999 after three decades of almost uninterrupted military rule, but accusations of ballot-rigging and fraud have followed its electoral cycles. The judgment by seven Supreme Court judges, which is final, follows a pattern seen in previous presidential elections that have been challenged in court. None of the attempts to overturn results through the courts has been successful. "This judgment by the Supreme Court has evidently shaken the confidence of Nigerians in the judiciary, especially the Supreme Court as the last hope of the common man," the PDP said. ALSO READ | Nigerian president might lose power even before G20 convenes in Delhi Atiku Abubakar of the PDP and Peter Obi of the Labour Party came second and third respectively in the February vote, but rejected the result and called for Tinubu's win to be annulled. The two opposition leaders had appealed a Sept. 6 tribunal judgment that endorsed Tinubu's victory. In the appeal, they argued that the electoral commission failed to electronically transmit results from polling stations to an online portal, which undermined their authenticity. ALSO READ | Nigeria president defends currency swap but orders old notes to remain in circulation They also said Tinubu had won less than 25 per cent of the vote in the federal capital Abuja so he did not meet the legal threshold to become president. The judges dismissed all their arguments.

Nigerian Supreme Court affirms President Tinubu's election win

Paris willingly delivered its classified files to a commission of historians from both countries charged by President Paul Biya of Cameroon and French President Emmanuel Macron to unveil the gruesome yet often ignored part of colonisation and decolonization process of the central African country, as it would seem colonial history remained a negligible component of French identity.

France delivers Cameroon colonisation files | World Of Africa

Mass weddings were held annually in Nigeria's northern state for many years until the previous administration discontinued the practice. The current governor had pledged to revive the ceremony, which was one of his key campaign promises. The Kano state government hosted a mass wedding, joining 1,800 couples in matrimony, mainly widows and divorcees selected from the 44 local government areas of the state.

Nigeria's Kano state holds mass wedding

A study conducted by an international team of scientists led by the University of Hong Kong found that the epicentre of the deadly bird flu outbreaks moved to Europe and Africa from Asia. The findings of the research published in the journal, Nature on Wednesday (Oct 18) also suggest that the strain currently circulating worldwide has become increasingly infectious among wild birds.

<h2>How was the study conducted?</h2>

The international team of researchers analysed the outbreaks of the H5N1 which has been classified as a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus given the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/current-avian-flu-strain-deadlier-may-become-endemic-study-584384">high death toll</a> in poultry. It was said to have been first detected in birds in China back in 1996.&nbsp;

Scientists studied the outbreaks between 2005 and 2022 and used the data on confirmed cases from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).&nbsp;

They have attributed the current outbreak to a highly infectious variant of H5N1 which is becoming increasingly infectious to wild birds.&nbsp;

It also caused Europe’s worst bird flu outbreak, before spreading globally. This strain has reportedly reached every continent except Oceania and Antarctica.&nbsp;

<h2>What was found?</h2>

The bird flu viruses which typically emerged from Asia for 25 years had not undergone any major change but their spread among wild birds indicates that the outbreaks are shifting, said the study.

The current strain first emerged in Europe in 2020.&nbsp;Around that time researchers also noted how the rate of spread among wild birds was three times faster than that in farmed poultry due to the mutations which allowed the virus to adapt to diverse species. 
&nbsp; 
The spread of bird flu within the poultry industry is determined by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-to-vaccinate-millions-of-ducks-against-bird-flu-despite-risk-of-import-restrictions-641798">human activity</a>&nbsp;and the trading of birds. However, for wild birds, it is their migratory routes that indicate where the disease will spread and with flyways along the east Atlantic and Pacific, the virus was able to spread to areas that had never been exposed to it before. &nbsp;

“These results highlight a shift in the HPAI H5 epicentre beyond Asia,” researchers wrote in the paper. The study also noted how outbreaks are typically seasonal and synchronise with bird migration in the Northern Hemisphere.&nbsp;

However, since November 2021, they have become persistent which led to the killing of millions of birds across five continents in 2022.&nbsp;

But despite the number of outbreaks, only 0.2 per cent of cases were sequenced, the researchers noted, urging the countries to ramp up surveillance to understand how the virus is changing.&nbsp;

<h2>Need for better data collection</h2>

To study the changes in the virus’&nbsp;behaviour, researchers also analysed more than 10,000 viral genomes and found that around mid-2020, a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/bird-flu-thing-of-past-scientists-achieve-major-breakthrough-with-gene-editing-645150">new H5N1 strain</a> evolved from an earlier variety, called H5N8.&nbsp;

This new variant first emerged in poultry in Egypt between 2016 and 2017 and is said to be the cause of global flare-ups throughout 2020 and 2021.&nbsp;

“Once it’s adapted to wild birds, we have no mechanism to control the virus. And I think that’s the biggest impact that has changed now,” says co-author Vijaykrishna Dhanasekaran from the University of Hong Kong.

 
&nbsp;

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A study conducted by an international team of scientists led by the University of Hong Kong found that the epicentre of the deadly bird flu outbreaks moved to Europe and Africa from Asia.

A study conducted by an international team of scientists led by the University of Hong Kong found that the epicentre of the deadly bird flu outbreaks moved to Europe and Africa from Asia. The findings of the research published in the journal, Nature on Wednesday (Oct 18) also suggest that the strain currently circulating worldwide has become increasingly infectious among wild birds. How was the study conducted? The international team of researchers analysed the outbreaks of the H5N1 which has been classified as a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus given the high death toll in poultry. It was said to have been first detected in birds in China back in 1996. Scientists studied the outbreaks between 2005 and 2022 and used the data on confirmed cases from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). They have attributed the current outbreak to a highly infectious variant of H5N1 which is becoming increasingly infectious to wild birds. It also caused Europe’s worst bird flu outbreak, before spreading globally. This strain has reportedly reached every continent except Oceania and Antarctica. What was found? The bird flu viruses which typically emerged from Asia for 25 years had not undergone any major change but their spread among wild birds indicates that the outbreaks are shifting, said the study. The current strain first emerged in Europe in 2020. Around that time researchers also noted how the rate of spread among wild birds was three times faster than that in farmed poultry due to the mutations which allowed the virus to adapt to diverse species. The spread of bird flu within the poultry industry is determined by human activity and the trading of birds. However, for wild birds, it is their migratory routes that indicate where the disease will spread and with flyways along the east Atlantic and Pacific, the virus was able to spread to areas that had never been exposed to it before. “These results highlight a shift in the HPAI H5 epicentre beyond Asia,” researchers wrote in the paper. The study also noted how outbreaks are typically seasonal and synchronise with bird migration in the Northern Hemisphere. However, since November 2021, they have become persistent which led to the killing of millions of birds across five continents in 2022. But despite the number of outbreaks, only 0.2 per cent of cases were sequenced, the researchers noted, urging the countries to ramp up surveillance to understand how the virus is changing. Need for better data collection To study the changes in the virus’ behaviour, researchers also analysed more than 10,000 viral genomes and found that around mid-2020, a new H5N1 strain evolved from an earlier variety, called H5N8. This new variant first emerged in poultry in Egypt between 2016 and 2017 and is said to be the cause of global flare-ups throughout 2020 and 2021. “Once it’s adapted to wild birds, we have no mechanism to control the virus. And I think that’s the biggest impact that has changed now,” says co-author Vijaykrishna Dhanasekaran from the University of Hong Kong. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

‘Epicentre beyond Asia’: Deadly bird flu outbreaks ‘migrated’ to Europe and Africa, finds study

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