Federal Government Confirms Bird Flu Outbreak in Kano State
The Federal Government has confirmed an outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), also known as Bird Flu, in Kano State.
The outbreak has affected various bird species, including layers, ducks, guinea fowls, and turkeys. A circular, signed by Dr. Taiwo Olasoju on behalf of the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, stated that the risk of further spread is high at this time.
The circular urged relevant agencies and the state’s veterinary offices to implement surveillance response mechanisms to mitigate the risk and emphasized the need for preventive measures.
Immediate actions recommended include enforcing strict biosecurity protocols to prevent further transmission. Additionally, the circular advised educating poultry farmers, traders, and the general public on the risks and prevention strategies, while closely monitoring the situation and reporting any suspicious cases to authorities.
Dr. Olasoju stressed that these measures are vital to prevent the spread of HPAI to neighboring states and across the country.
The chairman of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Kano State chapter, Dr. Usman Gwarzo, also confirmed the outbreaks. He explained that the infection likely began in December 2024, when a secondary school student from Galadanchi quarters in Gwale LGA bought a duck at Janguza market in Tofa LGA and mixed it with his flock of hens and chickens. The duck died suddenly, followed by the death of the chickens. A presumptive diagnosis of Avian Influenza was made at a veterinary clinic in Gwale, and confirmation was received in the first week of January 2025.
Dr. Gwarzo noted that there have been no similar reports from commercial poultry farms, and PAN’s Kano chapter is collaborating with the state government to raise awareness and encourage poultry farmers to report any unusual mortality.
