Enugu govt. raises the alarm on outbreak of bird flu in parts of Nigeria

From, Chinelo Kodilichukwu,  Enugu 

The Enugu State Government have raised alert to the general public and relevant stakeholders about an outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as ‘bird flu’,  which has been reported in Kano State. 

In a press statement signed by the commissioner of agriculture and agro industrialization Enugu State, Patrick Nwabueze Uburu said that the outbreak has affected various bird species, including layers, ducks, guinea fowl, and turkeys.

Given the disease’s epidemiology and the current environmental conditions in Nigeria, there is a significant risk of the disease spreading to neighboring states and beyond if adequate preventive measures are not taken.

To mitigate this risk and safeguard the poultry industry as well as public health in Enugu State, the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Industrialization has directed its Veterinary personnel to increase the implementation of the following preventive measures: 

Awareness and Sensitization: The Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-industrialization is intensifying efforts to educate poultry farmers, traders, and the general public on the risks associated with HPAI and the necessary prevention strategies.

Surveillance and Monitoring: Surveillance teams have been deployed to closely monitor poultry farms and markets for any signs of HPAI. We urge all residents to promptly report any unusual bird deaths or symptoms indicative of HPAI to the contacts below or any other Veterinary personnel available.

Biosecurity: It is the responsibility of the stakeholders to maintain strict biosecurity measures and report any suspicion.

He further emphasized that Enugu State Government is committed to ensuring the safety of its residents and the sustainability of the poultry sector. 

The commissioner, however called for the cooperation of all stakeholders in the state to ensure total prevention in the spread of HPAI and protect both human and animal health.

He tasked citizens to  report any suspicious cases to  the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Industrialization.