Dr. Abubakar Yusuf, the Kano State Commissioner for Health, has verified that 35 hens in the state’s Gwale Local Government Area had died of bird flu.
Assuring citizens that the issue is under control and that the Ministries of Agriculture and Health have joined forces to curb the epidemic and stop it from spreading to other areas of the state, Yusuf made the announcement on Wednesday.
The commissioner provided specifics, stating that 35 out of 50 birds died as a result of a guy in Gwale introducing a duck into his chicken herd.
“Following the deaths, the young man took a sample of the bird to the Gwale Veterinary Clinic for diagnosis. The test confirmed the presence of the bird flu virus,” Yusuf stated.
In order to stop the spread, he continued, the Ministry of Agriculture immediately closed the impacted poultry farm, killed the surviving birds, and cleaned the area.
“The proactive measures taken include sealing the farm, depopulating the remaining chickens, and thoroughly decontaminating the compound,” Yusuf explained.
Although the situation is alarming, the commissioner pointed out that it is not severe enough to qualify as an outbreak.
Although the situation is alarming, the commissioner pointed out that it is not severe enough to qualify as an outbreak.
According to Yusuf, the Ministry of Health has also cleaned up Janguza’s live bird markets and educated vendors about the signs and risks of bird flu.
“To ensure comprehensive control, we have convened meetings with stakeholders, including the Emergency Preparedness Response and One Health committees, to strategize on preventing the spread of the virus,” he stated.
All local government districts would see a heightened level of surveillance, he continued, and regular reports from bird rearers and poultry producers are anticipated.