AVIAN INFLUENZA (24): NIGERIA (RIVERS) HPAI, POULTRY
A ProMED-mail post
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International Society for Infectious Diseases
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Date: Tue 21 Jan 2025
Source: The Guardian [edited]
https://guardian.ng/features/health/avian-influenza-outbreak-hits-rivers-poultry-farm/
The Ministry of Agriculture has confirmed an outbreak of highly
pathogenic avian influenza, also known as bird flu, in a 3000-capacity
poultry farm in Iriebe, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers
State.
The outbreak, reported on Thursday, 17 Jan 2025, was confirmed by the
State Commissioner for Agriculture, Victor Kii, in a statement on
Tuesday [21 Jan 2025].
According to the statement, the affected farm has been placed under
strict quarantine to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread
of the disease.
The commissioner noted that the birds have been depopulated, and the
premises decontaminated using international best practices. He stated
that disinfectant chemicals have been provided for continuous
decontamination of the farm and that the ministry’s veterinary teams,
in collaboration with the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association,
have visited the farm and taken necessary measures to prevent the
spread of the disease.
He added that the ministry has also launched an awareness campaign to
sensitise poultry farmers on best practices to prevent the disease.
The campaign, he further said, is being carried out in collaboration
with various organisations such as the Poultry Association of Nigeria
(PAN) and the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, and aims to
educate farmers and the public about avian influenza, its symptoms,
and the importance of biosecurity measures in poultry management.
The commissioner urged poultry farmers and members of the public to
report any unusual symptoms in birds, such as sudden death, decreased
egg production, respiratory distress, redness in the shank, and
swollen comb and wattles.
He assured that the ministry is committed to safeguarding the health
of the poultry industry and the public and has asked for the
cooperation of all stakeholders, saying:
“By working together and remaining vigilant, the Ministry believes
that the impact of the outbreak can be mitigated.
“For further information or to report symptoms, the public can contact
the Ministry of Agriculture on 08142631325 or visit their social media
platforms: Instagram – rsministryofagriculture, Facebook – Rivers
State Ministry of Agriculture.”
He also assured that all necessary measures are being taken to prevent
the spread of the disease and to protect the health of the public.