FG, FAO to combat bird flu with $350,000 project

Nigeria is collaborating with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on a $350,000 project to bolster the nation's defenses against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). The initiative will also train 240 animal health professionals.

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The poultry industry remains a critical component of Nigeria’s livestock sector. However, it continues to face threats from transboundary animal diseases, particularly Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, which has remained a recurring challenge since its first occurrence in Nigeria in 2006.

The project, officially launched following the inauguration of the FAO Technical Cooperation Programme, is designed to improve disease surveillance, enhance laboratory diagnostic capabilities, strengthen risk communication, and foster better coordination among stakeholders within the One Health framework. This approach integrates human, animal, and environmental health for comprehensive disease management.

Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, highlighted the poultry industry's critical role in Nigeria's food security and economy. He noted that HPAI has been a persistent threat since its first appearance in 2006, with a resurgence since 2021 causing significant losses for poultry farmers. "We are concerned because of the destructive effect of avian influenza in Nigeria. It is threatening livelihoods, threatening food security, and threatening international trade," Maiha stated.

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We are concerned because of the destructive effect of avian influenza in Nigeria. It is threatening livelihoods, threatening food security, and threatening international trade. We must work together to restore livelihoods, close gaps in poultry product supply, and reconnect our poultry industry to international markets.

Dr. Chinyere Akujobi, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, represented by Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Samuel Anzaku, acknowledged that despite control efforts, Nigeria continues to experience annual HPAI outbreaks. She noted that outbreaks now affect multiple avian species, with layer farms being the most severely impacted, leading to substantial economic losses and disruptions across poultry value chains. The FAO representative, Dr. Otto Muhinda, reaffirmed the organization's commitment to supporting Nigeria's efforts to build a resilient poultry industry.

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The epidemiology of the disease has evolved, with outbreaks now affecting multiple avian species. Layer farms remain the most severely impacted segment, resulting in substantial economic losses and disruptions across poultry value chains.