The Federal Government has confirmed a significant outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), widely known as bird flu, in Kano State, sending authorities into a state of heightened alert. This deadly disease has impacted a wide range of bird species, including ducks, turkeys, guinea fowl, and layers, alarming both the local farming community and government officials.
In an official circular signed by Dr. Taiwo Olasoju, the Federal Government warned of the severe risk posed by the virus and urged the immediate activation of response measures to curb its spread. The statement, issued on behalf of Nigeria’s Chief Veterinary Officer, emphasized the importance of strict surveillance, biosecurity protocols, and education for all stakeholders in the poultry industry.
“We cannot afford to take this threat lightly,” Dr. Olasoju stated in the circular. “It is crucial that we implement strict preventive measures immediately to ensure the virus does not spread further, especially to neighbouring states or nationwide.”
The confirmation of the outbreak, which comes in the wake of alarming reports from various parts of Kano, underscores the growing challenge faced by the state’s poultry industry. According to the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), a number of local farmers and traders have already been affected by the bird flu, triggering panic among those dependent on poultry for their livelihoods.
Dr. Usman Gwarzo, the Chairman of the Kano State chapter of PAN, confirmed the outbreak and provided more insight into how the disease spread. He explained that the first case seemed to have been linked to a high school student who unknowingly introduced the virus into his flock. In December 2024, the student purchased a duck from Janguza Market in Tofa Local Government Area (LGA) and mixed it with his existing poultry. The duck died shortly after, and several of the student’s chickens followed suit.
“We believe the spread began with that duck,” Dr. Gwarzo explained. “After mixing it with his flock, the deaths started to occur in rapid succession. The student noticed that several of his chickens died soon after.”
Samples from the affected flock were sent to the Gwale Veterinary Clinic for testing, and the results came back positive for Avian Influenza in early January 2025, confirming the outbreak in the area.
“We are working closely with both state and federal authorities to track the situation and ensure it does not spread further,” Dr. Gwarzo added. “We are advising farmers to be vigilant and report any unusual deaths in their flocks immediately.”
Although the PAN chairman stressed that commercial poultry farms in the state had not been directly impacted by the outbreak, there is growing concern that the virus could spread rapidly if containment measures are not enforced effectively. The confirmation of the outbreak has prompted an outpouring of calls for stronger biosecurity measures from farmers, health officials, and government representatives.
A crucial part of the response strategy has been the emphasis on education. The Federal Government is prioritizing the dissemination of information to local farmers and traders, educating them on the symptoms of bird flu, how to prevent it, and the importance of maintaining biosecurity at poultry farms and markets.
“The general public, poultry farmers, and traders must be educated on the risks of bird flu,” Dr. Olasoju said. “Preventive measures must be strictly adhered to. If we all work together, we can mitigate the risk of widespread contamination.”
Health authorities in Kano are working overtime to contain the outbreak by conducting surveillance operations, ensuring that affected areas are quarantined and disinfected, and monitoring the movement of poultry products to prevent cross-contamination. Veterinary officials have also advised the public to avoid contact with sick or dead birds, warning that the virus can be transmitted to humans, though human cases remain rare.
In response to the growing crisis, the state government has deployed teams of veterinarians and biosecurity experts to assist farmers in the area. They are offering free consultations and providing resources to ensure farmers are equipped with the knowledge they need to protect their flocks.
The outbreak is expected to have a major impact on the poultry industry, which is a significant part of Kano’s agricultural sector. Poultry farming contributes to the livelihoods of thousands of families across the state, and any sustained outbreak of bird flu could lead to serious economic repercussions for local farmers and traders. Many fear that the market price of poultry products may rise if the outbreak is not contained.
“The poultry industry is already under strain from various challenges, and now we have this additional threat,” Dr. Gwarzo said. “If we do not act swiftly, it could impact not just local farmers, but the entire state economy. That is why it’s crucial that we contain the spread of this virus immediately.”
Poultry traders in the affected areas are already experiencing losses, with some reporting the death of several birds in a single day. Farmers are now under pressure to take swift action, either culling affected birds or ensuring proper quarantine procedures to prevent the virus from spreading further.
While the Federal Government has assured the public that all necessary measures are being taken to prevent further spread, the situation remains tense, and authorities are calling for collective responsibility to address the issue. The immediate priority is to ensure that the outbreak does not spiral into a full-scale epidemic, potentially spreading beyond Kano State to other parts of Nigeria.
The outbreak has brought attention to the need for improved animal health surveillance systems across the country. Experts have called for increased funding and support for veterinary services to ensure that Nigeria is better prepared to respond to future outbreaks of highly contagious diseases like bird flu.
