Avian Influenza A (H5N1) - Cambodia

Supply-chain Risk Briefing: Cambodia H5N1 Avian Influenza Human Infection Cases

Summary

Two cases of H5N1 avian influenza human infection were confirmed in Cambodia between January 26-28, 2024, and reported to WHO. These cases occurred in Kampong Trabek District, Prey Veng Province and Puok District, Siem Reap Province, marking Cambodia's first H5N1 human infection cases in 2024, classified as 'high' grade.

Supply-chain impact

• Poultry industry contraction: Direct impact expected on breeding and export of poultry including chickens and ducks within Cambodia, with concerns of spread to neighboring Southeast Asian regions
• Agricultural labor shortages: Potential constraints on agricultural workforce deployment due to quarantine measures to prevent avian influenza spread
• Food trade restrictions: International import restrictions on Cambodian poultry products causing food supply chain disruptions
• Logistics transportation delays: Increased quarantine procedures and costs for agricultural product transportation due to enhanced biosecurity measures
• Alternative supply source demand: Increased supply pressure on other regional producing countries to substitute for Cambodian poultry

Watch points

• Additional infection case occurrence: Need to track human infection spread scope through WHO and Cambodian health authority announcements
• Poultry culling scale: Monitor implementation and scope of large-scale culling measures for avian influenza prevention
• Neighboring countries' trade restrictions: Trends in import restriction measures on Cambodian agricultural and livestock products by major trading partners including Thailand and Vietnam