Kano Alerts Public Over Avia Influenza Outbreak

By Ayo Kehinde

The Kano State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources has issued a public alert over an isolated case of Avian Influenza detected in a backyard poultry farm in the state.

 The state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr. Danjuma Mahmoud on Wednesday said the affected farm, located at Hausawa Quarters in Gwale Local Government Area, housed multiple bird species, including chickens, ducks, and guinea fowls.

 The suspected case was first reported at the Gwale Veterinary Clinic on December 19, 2024, following the sudden death of several birds.

Dr. Mahmoud explained, “The outbreak began after the introduction of a new male duck purchased from Janguza live birds market on December 12, 2024. By December 18, symptoms such as sudden death, respiratory distress, high morbidity, and mortality were observed among the birds.”

The commissioner revealed that a total of 35 birds succumbed to the disease, while 16 others were culled to contain the outbreak.

Samples from the farm were sent for laboratory analysis, and while awaiting results, an Epidemic Preparedness and Response team was activated.

The team enforced restrictions on live bird movement, conducted active surveillance, and sensitized stakeholders at live bird markets and poultry facilities.

On January 1, 2025, laboratory tests confirmed the presence of the AI virus in the affected birds.

“The State Ministry of Agriculture immediately reactivated its AI Rapid Response Team, which carried out depopulation of infected birds to prevent further spread. The farm premises, including housing and equipment, were sealed and decontaminated,” Mahmoud said.

Samples were also collected from neighboring farms and Janguza live bird markets for further testing at the National Veterinary Research Institute.

The commissioner assured the public that active surveillance and sensitization efforts are ongoing across poultry farms and live bird markets. He urged stakeholders to adopt stringent biosecurity measures and report any unusual bird deaths promptly.

He added, “The Ministry of Agriculture is collaborating with relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Health, to monitor the potential risk of zoonotic transmission to humans.”