FG intensifies fight against bird flu, targets stronger surveillance system

The Nigerian Federal Government is bolstering its fight against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), or bird flu, aiming to safeguard the nation's vital poultry industry. Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, reaffirmed the government's dedication to eradicating the disease and enhancing animal health systems.

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We have the long-standing collaboration between FAO and Nigeria in advancing livestock development, improving animal health and enhancing national capacities to prevent and respond to animal disease threats.

During a workshop in Nasarawa State focused on HPAI preparedness, detection, and response, Maiha emphasized the importance of implementing the project's outcomes. He highlighted the long-standing collaboration between Nigeria and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in advancing livestock development and animal health.

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Nigeria has continued to experience outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in successive years since 2021. The disease has affected poultry farms across multiple states and all geopolitical zones of the country, including major poultry-producing states such as Kano, Plateau, Ogun and several others.

Nigeria has grappled with recurring bird flu outbreaks since 2021, affecting poultry farms across multiple states and all geopolitical zones. These outbreaks have resulted in substantial economic losses, disrupted the poultry value chain, and led to the loss of livelihoods, while also heightening concerns for both animal and public health. Major poultry-producing states like Kano, Plateau, and Ogun have been particularly impacted.

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These recurring outbreaks have resulted in substantial economic losses, disruption of the poultry value chain, loss of livelihoods and heightened concerns regarding animal and public health.

Maiha stressed that effective disease control necessitates a coordinated national response, supported by robust surveillance and timely reporting mechanisms. He acknowledged the FAO's timely support through a $350,000 grant for the initiative. Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, noted that the workshop aimed to gather stakeholder input for lasting solutions to the recurring outbreaks.

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The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development recognises that effective prevention and control of HPAI requires strong surveillance systems, efficient laboratory networks, timely disease reporting, well-coordinated emergency response mechanisms, effective risk communication and close collaboration among all stakeholders.