The Chief Medical Officer of Gwale Veterinary Hospital, Dr Abdullahi Abubakar Gaya, has confirmed the death of 32 chickens following an outbreak of bird flu in Gwale local government area of the state.
Gaya who spoke to journalists yesterday, cautioned residents against eating infected birds saying it has severe consequences on human health.
He confirmed that over 32 birds died of the outbreak in Kano recently, adding that investigations are still on to confirm whether more birds and humans have been affected.
Dr. Gaya narrated how a chicken rearer brought the first case to the hospital arising from an infected guinea fowl he purchased at Janguza market without isolation.
“Mixing of the infected Guinea fowl led to the death of over 32 other birds at the poultry with a population of over 50 birds. The poultry farmer reported the case to the hospital on December 7, 2024.
“After purchasing the Guinea fowl and mixing it with other birds, the Guinea fowl died, after which other chickens started dying one after the other”, he stated.
Gaya warned that anybody who consumes affected birds that are slaughtered will develop health problems, pointing out that bird flu is a highly infectious respiratory disease.
“Those who consume the birds that were slaughtered can become infected. Currently this particular index case is the only case we have. His birds are 50, majority have died and he slaughtered some.
“We are still investigating. More information is underway. The general advice is that if you buy a bird, you need to isolate it.
“If you see a sign of sickness in a bird or any animal, report to the nearest veterinary hospital. If you see a dead bird, do not touch it; report it to the nearest veterinary hospital. The disease is changing patterns. It is becoming serious,” Dr Gaya added.
Earlier, the Kano State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, said the ministry has already taken charge of the situation, stopping the disease from spreading to other parts of the state.
“The bird flu virus was confirmed and the state Ministry of Agriculture took proactive measures to contain the spread.
“Immediately upon receipt of the result, the state Ministry of Agriculture pro-actively sealed the place, depopulated the remaining chickens and decontaminated the compound,” he said.
Dr. Labaran Yusuf assured residents that the situation is under control, adding that “it is not severe enough to be declared an outbreak.”
“The ministry also decontaminated the premises where live birds are sold in the Janguza market and sensitized sellers on the effects of the bird flu.
“Surveillance will be intensified in every local government area, especially among poultry and bird rearers, with daily reports sent to the committees,” he stated.
“Symptoms of bird flu include fever, mucous, and redness of the eyes. Residents, especially poultry rearers, are urged to report any suspected cases to the authorities for timely action,” he added.
