Veterinary Officers Put On Alert As FG Confirms Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, Bird Flu Outbreak In Kano
Abuja (Core Reporters) States veterinary officers have been put on alert as the federal government on Tuesday confirmed the outbreak of a highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) also known as Bird Flu in Kano State.
A circular by the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, Dr Taiwo Olasoju on behalf of the FG said, the outbreak affected various bird species like layers, ducks, guinea fowl, and turkeys.
According to the circular, the risk of the disease spreading during this time was high. While it advised relevant agencies and the states’ veterinary offices to activate surveillance response mechanisms to mitigate this risk.
“We need to take adequate preventive measures,” it said.
The circular recommended the steps to be taken immediately, which include implementing “strict biosecurity protocols to prevent the spread of the disease.”
Other steps include educating “relevant stakeholders, such as poultry farmers, traders, and the general public, on the risks and prevention strategies and closely monitor the situation and report any suspicious cases to the relevant authorities.”
Dr Olasoju said the measures recommended were crucial in preventing the spread of HPAI to neighbouring states and the entire country.
The chairman of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Kano State chapter, Dr Usman Gwarzo, also confirmed the outbreaks.
“Sometime in December 2024, a young man (Secondary school student) from Galadanchi quarters in Gwale LGA went to Janguza market in Tofa LGA just after BUK new site and bought a duck which he took home and mixed with his flocks of hens and chickens, which he rears on the wooden cage. Suddenly, the duck died and the chickens followed, which he took the carcasses to Gwale veterinary clinic and a presumptive diagnosis of AI was made.
“Samples were sent for confirmation and came out as AI on 1st week of January 2025. There is no similar report from any poultry farm,” he said.
Dr Gwarzo said the PAN Kano State chapter is working with the state government to create awareness and encourage poultry farmers to report any unusual mortality in their farms.
