The Kano State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources has reassured the public of its unwavering commitment to safeguarding public health after an isolated case of Avian Influenza (AI) was confirmed in the state.
The outbreak, traced to a multi-species backyard poultry farm in Hausawa Quarters, Gwale Local Government Area, was first reported on the 19th of December, 2024, when a concerned farmer brought a suspected case of AI to the Gwale Veterinary Clinic.
The Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr. Danjuma Mahmoud, disclosed in a statement issued on the 15th of January, 2025, that proactive measures were immediately initiated to contain the disease.
“While sensitization and surveillance are ongoing on poultry farms and live bird markets, we will continue to collaborate with other relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Health, to monitor the potential risk of zoonotic transmission to humans,” Dr. Mahmoud affirmed.
The initial symptoms reported included sudden bird deaths, respiratory distress, and an alarming mortality rate.
Laboratory tests conducted on the 1st of January, 2025, confirmed the presence of the AI virus. Tragically, 35 birds succumbed to the infection, and 16 others were culled to halt its spread.
Swift action followed, as the ministry’s rapid response team depopulated the infected birds, sealed and decontaminated the premises, and collected samples from neighboring farms and live bird markets for further investigation.
Dr. Mahmoud emphasized the urgency of adhering to stringent biosecurity measures, urging poultry farmers and stakeholders to act promptly when faced with unusual bird deaths.
“We urge all stakeholders to adopt good biosecurity practices and report any unusual deaths in their flocks promptly,” he stressed.
To curb any potential risks, the ministry has ramped up surveillance at live bird markets and poultry processing facilities.
It has also joined forces with the Ministry of Health to evaluate and mitigate the chances of zoonotic transmission to humans, ensuring that public safety remains paramount.