The Federal Government has confirmed an outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Kano State, sending alarm bells ringing across the region’s poultry industry. The outbreak, which began in December 2024, has been primarily affecting various bird species, including layers, ducks, guinea fowls, and turkeys, with the risk of further spread escalating rapidly.
The discovery of this deadly avian disease has raised serious concerns, particularly within the local poultry farming community, as authorities urge immediate action to halt the spread. According to a circular issued by Dr. Taiwo Olasoju, on behalf of Nigeria’s Chief Veterinary Officer, the disease poses a grave risk, and the potential for cross-border transmission to neighboring states is high.
“We are facing a critical situation,” Dr. Olasoju remarked. “The outbreak of HPAI in Kano demands prompt and decisive intervention to prevent the spread of the disease to other regions of Nigeria. The time to act is now.”
The Triggering Event: A Single Duck’s Fatal Journey
The chain of events leading to the confirmation of the HPAI outbreak traces back to a seemingly harmless transaction in December 2024. Dr. Usman Gwarzo, Chairman of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) Kano chapter, provided chilling details of the incident. A young man from the Galadanchi quarters in Gwale Local Government Area purchased a duck from the Janguza market in Tofa LGA, a bustling market near the Bayero University Kano (BUK) new site.
The young man, a secondary school student, introduced the duck into his own flock, which was housed in a wooden cage alongside his chickens. It wasn’t long before the duck died suddenly, followed by the rapid death of the chickens. Concerned, he took the carcasses to the Gwale veterinary clinic, where a presumptive diagnosis of avian influenza was made. Samples were then sent for confirmation, and by the first week of January 2025, results confirmed the presence of HPAI in the affected flock.
“This outbreak started from a single case, but it has spread to a larger community of birds,” Dr. Gwarzo explained. “It was not initially observed in commercial poultry farms, but we are concerned about the potential for rapid transmission.”
High Alert: Immediate Action Needed
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, has called for heightened vigilance in response to the outbreak. The circular issued by Dr. Olasoju outlined immediate steps to mitigate the risk of further spread. Key recommendations include implementing strict biosecurity protocols on farms, particularly around the movement of poultry products and live birds. Farmers are being urged to monitor their flocks closely and report any unusual deaths or signs of illness to the authorities without delay.
“Prevention is the first line of defence,” Dr. Olasoju emphasized. “We must educate poultry farmers, traders, and the general public about the risks associated with avian influenza and ensure that proper preventive measures are in place.”
State Government and PAN Join Forces
In response to the situation, the Kano State Government has partnered with PAN to raise awareness and educate poultry farmers on how to safeguard their farms. Dr. Gwarzo confirmed that awareness campaigns are underway to ensure farmers are informed of the risks and are able to take preventive steps. He added that the PAN Kano chapter is collaborating closely with the state’s veterinary services to monitor the situation and advise farmers accordingly.
“We are working together to ensure that poultry farmers know what to look out for,” Dr. Gwarzo said. “We are encouraging farmers to report any unusual mortality. Early detection is key in managing and containing the outbreak.”
The poultry association is also providing guidelines on best practices to prevent the disease, including reducing human contact with birds, disinfecting poultry housing, and ensuring that visitors follow stringent hygiene protocols.
A Threat to Local and National Poultry Industry
The potential economic impact of this outbreak cannot be overstated. Kano State is a major hub for poultry farming in Nigeria, and the spread of bird flu threatens to disrupt local markets, with repercussions for the entire country’s poultry industry. The disease, which is highly contagious among birds, poses a significant risk to the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians who depend on poultry farming for their income.
Kano’s poultry farmers are already feeling the strain, as many are faced with the daunting task of managing their flocks under stringent biosecurity measures. Reports of sudden deaths among chickens and ducks have created panic, leading to increased calls for swift government intervention.
“We are doing everything we can to contain the situation, but the risk is real,” said Aminu Mohammed, a poultry farmer in Kano. “We’ve lost birds already, and many of us are worried that this outbreak will cost us everything.”
The poultry industry is not only a source of income for farmers but also provides essential food products for Nigerian consumers. The rise in poultry prices due to the scarcity of birds could lead to inflation in the cost of eggs and chicken, affecting both consumers and farmers alike.
National Response: Surveillance and Precautions
The government has instructed veterinary offices across Nigeria to activate surveillance systems and ensure that any new cases of HPAI are quickly identified. As of now, no other major outbreaks have been reported in commercial poultry farms, but experts warn that the disease could spread rapidly if left unchecked.
The Ministry of Agriculture is coordinating with health agencies, including the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), to monitor the situation and provide support where necessary. The government has also pledged to supply necessary resources, including disinfectants and other biosecurity equipment, to affected areas.
“The situation is being closely monitored,” said Dr. Olasoju. “We have activated all relevant agencies and are prepared to provide assistance to Kano State as needed. Our goal is to prevent the spread of this disease, and we are committed to doing everything in our power to protect both our poultry industry and public health.”
The Way Forward
In the wake of the outbreak, experts emphasize the importance of preventive measures, such as ensuring the proper disposal of dead birds, regular cleaning of poultry houses, and restricting the movement of birds in and out of affected areas. Farmers are also advised to practice stringent hygiene standards to protect both their livestock and the broader community.
As the situation continues to unfold, both the federal and state governments are focused on containing the spread of avian influenza in Kano and preventing further outbreaks across the country. The role of the Poultry Association of Nigeria and local veterinary services will be crucial in managing the crisis and ensuring that farmers have the support they need during this difficult time.
