Amid concerns over a possible outbreak of avian influenza (bird flu) in Kano State, the government has called on residents to report any suspected cases to relevant authorities.
Rumours spread after reports that in December 2024, a young man from Gwale Local Government Area (LGA) purchased a duck from Janguza Market in Tofa LGA and added it to his flock of hens, guinea fowls, and chickens.
Shortly afterward, the birds exhibited respiratory distress, leading to the death of 35 out of 50 birds. Samples submitted to the Gwale Veterinary Clinic in January 2025 confirmed the presence of the bird flu virus.
Kano State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, described the case as isolated, saying it does not constitute an outbreak.
“The ministry is on top of the issue and taking proactive measures to confront the disease so as to contain its negative effect before it becomes deadly,” Dr. Yusuf said.
The Ministry of Agriculture sealed the affected premises, culled the remaining chickens, and decontaminated the compound. It also decontaminated Janguza Market and held sensitization sessions for live bird sellers on the risks of avian influenza.
Dr. Yusuf mentioned ongoing efforts, including collaboration with the Emergency Preparedness Response and One Health Committees, comprising stakeholders from the Ministries of Agriculture, Environment, and Water Resources, as well as partner organizations.
“For now, this is what we have been doing. Meetings will be held weekly with stakeholders, and the public will be regularly informed about the issue. Surveillance will be intensified in every LGA, especially among poultry and bird rearers, with reports sent to the committees daily and updates shared with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf,” he stated.
The commissioner outlined bird flu symptoms such as fever, mucus, and redness of the eyes, urging poultry rearers to monitor their flocks closely and report any unusual health conditions.
“Poultry rearers should safeguard their flocks and wealth by reporting any unusual health conditions in their birds to relevant authorities for timely action,” he added.
