An avian influenza outbreak in five West African countries could affect the region and beyond unless “timely intervention” occurs.

That warning comes from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) which is appealing for $20 million to prevent the spread of the disease, commonly known as bird flu.

The outbreak began last December and FAO says so far, nearly two million chickens have died or were culled in poultry farms and markets in Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Niger, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana.

Sandra Ferrari asked FAO’s Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Juan Lubroth about its origins and what needs to be done going forward.

Duration: 2'37"