Bird Flu: Kaduna To Decontaminate Poultry Markets

The Kaduna State government says it will soon begin the disinfection of all poultry markets as part of measures to mitigate the spread of bird flu in the state.

The commissioner for agriculture and natural resources, Murtala Dabo, made this known yesterday in Kaduna during a stakeholders engagement meeting to mitigate the spread of Avian Influenza (AI).

According to him, the meeting was part of the state’s proactive measures towards safeguard the poultry industry and the well-being of the communities.

Dabo said the state would soon commence the decontamination of live bird markets across the state as part of efforts to mitigate the spread of bird flu.

Dabo said the harmattan season came with the challenges of various diseases, hence, the need for collaborative efforts and strategic planning to prevent the spread of bird flu.

He said the meeting was sponsored by Olam Farms, who were partners towards safeguarding the state’s poultry industry.

The commissioner called on all the participants to share their expertise for comprehensive plans to fight the spread of avian influenza in the state.

Earlier, the director, veterinary and livestock services, ministry of agriculture, Dr Zakariya Pakachi, assured the participants that veterinary doctors would be assigned to all the markets for sensitisation and surveillance.

“During the exercise, we will be sensitising as well as enlighten bird sellers on practical ways to take better care of their birds.

“These pep talks have gone a long way to reducing the spate of death among birds in the state,” he said.

In his presentation, the desk officer, Avian Influenza Control Project, Kaduna State, Dr Abel Williams, said the live bird market was the main source of AI which required special attention and intervention.

He disclosed that the North-West, being an epicenter due to the pattern of Avian Influenza spread, required proactive measures in safeguarding the industry.

Williams also said that it was necessary for bio-security and bio-safety measures in all live bird markets to be heightened. (NAN)