Kano Govt Issues Public Alert On Avian Influenza
By Abdullahi Yusuf
The Kano State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources has notified the general public of an Isolated case of Avian Influenza (AI) in the state.
The notification is contained in a statement issued by the state Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources,Dr Danjuma Mahmoud, on Wednesday in Kano.
“The Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources wishes to formally notify the public of an Isolated case of Avian Influenza (AI) that has been confirmed in a multi-species backyard poultry farm in Kano State. The disease has affected both poultry and other avian species on the farm.
“On the 19th December 2024, a case of suspected AI diseases was presented to Gwale Veterinary Clinic. The affected farm is a multi-species backyard poultry farm with a variety of birds, including chickens, ducks, and guinea fowls located at Hausawa quarters Gwale LGA Kano State (Lat: 11⁰59’19”, Long: 8⁰30’42”).
“Further history revealed that the birds start dying after the farmer added a new male duck bought from Janguza live birds market on the 12th December 2024,” Mahmoud said.
He said initial symptoms of the disease were observed on December 18, 2024, with affected birds showing signs of sudden death, respiratory distress, high morbidity and mortality.
He said a total of 35 birds had died of the disease,while 16 birds were slaughtered as a result of the outbreak.
The commissioner said a sample of the case was sent for laboratory diagnosis,adding that while awaiting the results, an Epidemic Preparedness and Response team(EPR) was immediately set up to embark on active surveillance and sensitization at various live birds markets and poultry processing facilities.
He said the EPR team visited the farm and enforced restriction of live birds movements pending the outcome of the laboratory results.
“On 1st of January 2025 Laboratory results tests confirmed the presence of the AI virus in the affected birds.
“In view of the above, the State Ministry of Agriculture re-activated its AI rapid response team which carried out the
depopulation of infected birds to prevent the spread of the virus; as well as sealing and decontamination of the farm premises, including housing and equipment.
“Samples were collected from neighbouring farm and Janguza live birds’ market and taken to National Veterinarian Research Institute for further investigation.
“While sensitization and surveillance are ongoing on poultry farms and live birds’ markets, stakeholders are advised to adopt good Biosecurity measures and also report any unusual death in their flocks,”he said.
Mahmoud assured that the ministry would continue to collaborate with other relevant agencies including the Ministry of Health “to monitor the potential risk of zoonotic transmission to humans.”
