The Kano State Government has sounded an alarm over a confirmed outbreak of Avian Influenza, commonly known as Bird Flu, in Gwale Local Government Area. The announcement was made on Wednesday by Dr. Danjuma Mahmoud, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, who described the outbreak as “isolated but alarming.”
“This is a serious situation,” Dr. Mahmoud emphasized in a press statement. “We have confirmed the presence of the Avian Influenza virus in a backyard poultry farm located in Hausawa quarters of Gwale LGA. The farm housed multiple bird species, including chickens, ducks, and guinea fowls.”
The Timeline of the Outbreak
The Commissioner revealed that the first signs of trouble emerged on December 18, 2024, when several birds on the farm began to exhibit symptoms such as respiratory distress and sudden death. By December 19, the case was reported to the Gwale Veterinary Clinic.
“Initial investigations showed that the outbreak might have been triggered by the introduction of a new male duck purchased from Janguza live birds market on December 12,” Mahmoud explained. “The farmer noticed a spike in deaths shortly after introducing the bird into the flock.”
By the time the case was formally reported, 35 birds had already succumbed to the disease, and 16 others had to be slaughtered as a precautionary measure. Samples from the affected farm were sent to a laboratory for testing, and the results, received on January 1, 2025, confirmed the presence of the deadly Avian Influenza virus.
Swift Government Response
In response to the outbreak, the Kano State Ministry of Agriculture activated its Epidemic Preparedness and Response (EPR) team to contain the virus and prevent its spread. “Our rapid response team moved swiftly to depopulate the infected birds and decontaminate the farm premises,” Mahmoud said. “This included sealing off the area and disinfecting all housing and equipment.”
Additional samples were collected from neighboring farms and the Janguza live birds market for further investigation at the National Veterinary Research Institute. Active surveillance has been launched across poultry farms and live bird markets to identify and address any potential risks.
The Commissioner further noted that the government had restricted the movement of live birds in the area as part of containment measures. “The health and economic stability of our poultry industry are at stake, and we are taking no chances,” he added.
A Broader Public Health Concern
Although the outbreak is currently limited to avian species, Mahmoud warned that the virus poses a zoonotic threat, meaning it could potentially infect humans. “The Ministry of Agriculture is collaborating closely with the Ministry of Health and other relevant agencies to monitor the situation,” he said.
He urged poultry farmers and stakeholders to implement stringent biosecurity measures and report any unusual deaths in their flocks immediately. “Good biosecurity practices are critical in preventing the spread of this virus. We need everyone’s cooperation to contain this outbreak,” Mahmoud stressed.
Economic and Social Implications
Poultry farming is a significant part of Kano State’s economy, with thousands of households depending on it for their livelihoods. An outbreak of Bird Flu not only threatens the health of the birds but also poses serious economic challenges for farmers.
A poultry farmer in Gwale LGA, who wished to remain anonymous, described the outbreak as devastating. “I’ve lost over 40 birds in just two weeks,” he lamented. “The government needs to do more to support small-scale farmers like us during this crisis.”
The Janguza live birds market, identified as a potential source of the infection, is one of the busiest in the region. Traders are now concerned about the impact of the outbreak on their businesses. “People are scared to buy birds,” said Auwalu Ibrahim, a poultry trader. “We are already seeing a decline in sales.”
Learning from Past Outbreaks
This is not the first time Kano State has dealt with an outbreak of Avian Influenza. Similar cases were recorded in 2006 and 2015, leading to the loss of thousands of birds and significant economic setbacks for poultry farmers.
Experts warn that frequent outbreaks are a sign of inadequate biosecurity measures in many farms and markets. Dr. Mahmoud acknowledged this concern, noting that the government is committed to addressing the gaps.
“We are working to raise awareness and train farmers on best practices,” he said. “Our goal is to make Kano a model for disease prevention and control in the poultry sector.”
Advice to the Public
As fears grow over the potential spread of the virus, health experts are advising residents to take precautions when handling poultry. Dr. Mahmoud encouraged consumers to ensure that chicken and eggs are thoroughly cooked before consumption.
“There is no evidence that properly cooked poultry poses a health risk,” he reassured. “However, it is crucial to maintain hygiene when handling raw poultry to minimize any potential exposure.”
The government is also urging the public to avoid panic buying or hoarding of poultry products, as this could exacerbate the economic impact of the outbreak.
The Way Forward
The Kano State Government has promised to remain transparent in its handling of the outbreak. Updates on the situation will be provided as new information becomes available.
“We are confident that with the cooperation of all stakeholders, we can contain this outbreak and protect both our people and our economy,” Dr. Mahmoud concluded.
In the meantime, poultry farmers and traders are hopeful that the government’s interventions will be effective in restoring confidence and stability to the sector.
