Reports of avian influenza, a deadly animal disease, have surfaced in various parts of Kebbi State, prompting swift action from the government to contain its spread.
Dr. Alheri Ibrahim-Sanchi, the state Director of Veterinary Services in the Ministry of Animal Husbandry, disclosed this on Saturday after overseeing the fumigation of an infected farm in Amanawa village, Kalgo, on the outskirts of Birnin Kebbi.
According to Ibrahim-Sanchi, the outbreak has claimed the lives of 14 peacocks in the affected facility, signaling the severity of the situation.
Fumigation efforts were conducted by a team of professionals under the “One Health” initiative, which includes experts from ministries of Animal Husbandry, Health, Environment, and Information, as well as Principal Partners.
Ibrahim-Sanchi stressed the importance of containment measures to prevent the disease from spreading further. Initial investigations revealed symptoms among the peacocks, prompting the collection of samples sent to the Veterinary Diagnostic Reference Laboratory in Jos. Results confirmed the presence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1), necessitating immediate intervention.
The primary objective is to prevent the outbreak from extending beyond the affected facility, with active surveillance underway to identify any additional cases in the state. Given the zoonotic nature of the infection, the team is collaborating closely with health authorities to monitor potential human exposure and implement necessary precautions.
Poultry owners have been urged to remain vigilant and enhance bio-security measures to minimize economic losses. Recommendations include limiting farm visitors, restricting bird movement, and avoiding the sharing of farm implements. Efforts are also underway to educate the public about the disease through coordinated outreach programs involving various ministries and agencies.
In response to the outbreak’s potential threat to human health, Abubakar Bagudu-Muhammad, the Director of Public Health at the Kebbi Ministry of Health, emphasized the importance of a multidisciplinary approach. Emergency health activities are being coordinated at the Public Health Emergency Operation Centre to mitigate any further spread of the disease.
Bagudu-Muhammad further called upon veterinary and health officers, environmental authorities, and community stakeholders to remain vigilant, particularly along border areas, to prevent the spread of the disease. With concerted efforts and proactive measures, authorities aim to contain the outbreak and safeguard both animal and human health in Kebbi State.
