Fresh fear has gripped poultry farmers, dealers and other stakeholders in the industry, following the reported outbreak of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu in the country.
In the last two weeks, the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza was reported in two states – firstly, Kano and the later, Rivers, a development that has raised concerns over its potential spread across the country.
Recall that in the last few months, the poultry operators have had difficulties to break even, as the cost of feeds and other materials have increased tremendously, leading to incessant increase in the price of egg and other poultry products.
Now that the operators are just overcoming the frustration of last yuletide where they recorded low sales due to the economic crunch in the country, the announcement of the outbreak has further dampened their hope of survival in the new year.
On January 14, the Federal Government confirmed the Kano State outbreak, which affected various bird species, including layers, ducks, guinea fowls and turkeys.
A circular by the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, Dr Columba Teru Vakuru, highlighted the heightened risk of transmission of the bird flu disease.
“We urge all state veterinary offices and relevant agencies to activate their surveillance systems immediately. Strict biosecurity measures must be implemented, and public awareness campaigns intensified to curb the spread of the virus,” the circular stated.
Just a week after, January 21 to be precise, the Rivers State Ministry of Agriculture confirmed outbreak in the state in a poultry farm at Iriebe community, Obio/Akpor Local Council area of the state.
The outbreak was reported on January 17, 2025 and confirmed by the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture, Victor Kii. The statement further disclosed that the affected farm was immediately placed under strict quarantine to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread of the disease. The Commissioner noted that the birds have been depopulated, and the premises decontaminated using international best practices.
The National Treasurer, Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association of Nigeria (NVMA), Dr. Mobolaji Alao, who lamented that another outbreak of avian influenza, especially now that the industry is walking through the murky waters is actually a bitter spill to swallow.
He said farmers are currently grappling with cost of inputs, especially feeds, medications, cost of energy, overhead costs and other important articles in production, noting that for them to be living again with the fresh fear of avian influenza is actually a lot to handle at this time.
“Nevertheless, this is not the first time we are finding this occurrence, as it were, the best we can do is to respond to it as much as often. It is rather unfortunate that when it comes to noble pandemics like this the primary body responsible for its management is the International Office Epizootics (OIE), who works with the Federal Veterinary Department of the country and advised them on what to do.
“Fortunately for Nigeria, the adopted policies on quarantine and the stamping out of affected flocks on farms as the case may be still remain. What the government and farmers around the country can do is to take their biosecurity measure to red alert, it is expected that states through their departments of veterinary services should have to improve their surveillance at the border points and at the live bird markets around the state and possibly do some random testing to be sure.
“During this period, farmers are the ones expected to protect themselves the most by improving their biosecurity measures and that will begin with ensuring strict disinfection protocols in and out of their farms, strict hygiene of their staff, and prevention of entry of wild birds.”
He called for increase collaboration between the farmers and the government. “If the government must maintain the quarantine policies, they must also deploy compensation mechanism for affected farms by these the outbreak will be controlled.”
On his part, a former Chairman, of NVMA, Lagos State Chapter, Dr. Joseph Olufemi Aroso, who described the development as a catastrophe, told The Guardian that the outbreak will add to the agony of the sector players, considering the current economic hardship in the country.
To curtail the spread from the affected states to the other parts of the country, Aroso called for the adoption of biosecurity as the first line of defense. “There is need for government to assist the private operators with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for protection on the farms and they can visit livestock markets for antiseptic checks on the birds.”
The Guardian learnt that several efforts are being taken, especially in states to curtail the spread of the disease. Just few days ago, the Enugu State Government took some precautionary measure to protect the state.
It was gathered that the state, which noted the disease’s epidemiology and the current environmental conditions of the country, said there is a significant risk of it spreading to neighboring states and beyond if adequate preventive measures are not taken.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, Mr Patrick Nwabueze Ubru in a statement he signed, stressed that to mitigate the risk and safeguard the poultry industry, as well as public health in Enugu State, the government has directed its Veterinary personnel to increase implementation of preventive measures.
He stated that the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-industrialisation is intensifying efforts to educate poultry farmers, traders, and the general public on the risks associated with HPAI and the necessary prevention strategies.
Reports have it that Bird flu has been a recurring problem in Nigeria since 2006. Described as a highly contagious viral infection that can cause tissue and organ damage in birds, reports have it that the disease can kill more than 75 per cent of an infected flock.
Avian influenza has resulted in the loss of millions of birds and income for people who rely on the poultry industry, and as has zoonotic potential, meaning it can be transmitted from birds to humans.
Nigeria is susceptible to this disease, due to its location, as it located on major migratory bird routes, Between year 2021 and 2022, Nigeria experienced a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak that caused 467 outbreaks in 31 administrative regions.
