Nigeria govt confirms outbreak of bird flu in Kano, calls for caution - Ripples Nigeria
Connect with us

News

Nigeria govt confirms outbreak of bird flu in Kano, calls for caution

Published

on

The Federal Government has confirmed an outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza commonly known as bird flu, in Kano State.

In a circular signed by Dr. Taiwo Olasoju on behalf of the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, on Tuesday, authorities raised concerns over the heightened risk of the disease spreading, particularly during this period.

The disease has affected various bird species, including layers, ducks, guinea fowls, and turkeys.

The circular urged relevant agencies and state veterinary offices to activate surveillance systems to check the spread of the virus.

The circular noted the importance of strict biosecurity measures, public awareness campaigns, and close monitoring of poultry populations to detect and respond to potential cases promptly.

“We need to take adequate preventive measures,” the circular emphasised, urging stakeholders to work collectively to prevent the virus from spreading to neighbouring states and other regions.

READ ALSO: Treatable diseases still killing Nigerians because of poverty, says Senate Leader

Providing further insights, the Chairman of the Poultry Association of Nigeria, Kano State chapter, Dr. Usman Gwarzo, recounted an initial case that raised alarms.

“In December 2024, a young man from Galadanchi quarters in Gwale Local Government Area bought a duck from Janguza market in Tofa LGA and introduced it to his flock of hens and chickens. The duck suddenly died, followed by the chickens. The carcasses were taken to the Gwale veterinary clinic, where avian influenza was suspected,” Gwarzo explained.

He added that samples sent for testing confirmed the presence of the virus in the first week of January 2025.

However, no similar reports have been recorded from commercial poultry farms.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now

Exit mobile version