Kebbi State Moves To Curtail Spread Of Avian Influenza, 14 Peacocks Already Killed

By Ayodele Oni

Kebbi State government has assured that the outbreak of Avian influenza in the state is under control

Dr Alheri Ibrahim-Sanchi, the Director, Veterinary Services, Kebbi State Ministry of Animal Husbandry, explained that government has stepped-up efforts to mitigate the spread of avian influenza that reared its ugly head in the state.

Ahmed Idris, Chief Press Secretary to the state Governor, in a statement on Sunday, stated that the director made the disclosure while addressing journalists shortly after fumigating a farm infected with the disease located at Amanawa village, Kalgo, outskirts of Birnin Kebbi.

The official confirmed that the disease had so far killed 14 peacocks in the affected facility.

The fumigation was carried out by a team of professionals under “One Health”, comprising experts from ministries of Animal Husbandry, Health, Environment, Information, as well as Principal Partners.

He explained that some peacocks were reported to have been ill and the pattern of mortality became worrisome, “so, we send a team of veterinary doctors for preliminary investigation.

“Upon investigation, we found it necessary to take samples and those samples were sent to Veterinary Diagnostic Reference Laboratory in Jos.

“When those samples were analysed, unfortunately for us, they returned positive for ‘Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1)’,

“So, this is what necessitated this exercise, to first of all come to the scene where these birds were resident and  do the needful.”

The director pointed out that the main task was to ensure that the incident did not go beyond the affected facility, assuring that the team would go ahead and take active surveillance, “which is a pathern of seeking for other likely cases that may be occuring in our state.”

He said that considering the fact that “highly pathogenic avian influenza is zoonotic infection that has the tendency to spread to humans”, the team also undertook the veterinary component of it, while colleagues in human health would identify individuals in contact with the animals for necessary action.

Ibrahim-Sanchi appealed to poultry owners to remain calm but be vigilant, and intensify bio-security, adding that “it is a disease that potent high economic lose for poultry owners.”

To curtail possible spread to human beings, he advised that the number of persons who visit the poultry should be minimized and also enjoined them to restrict movement of birds, avoid sharing of farm implements to curb spread of the disease.

Ibrahim-Sanchi added that the ministry, in collaboration with sister ministries and agencies like ministry of health, environment and information and principal partners, were making efforts to sensitize the public on the disease.

Also in an interview, the Director, Public Health, Kebbi Ministry of Health, Abubakar Bagudu-Muhammad, confirmed that the disease had the potency to affect humans, adding that “it is also pathogenic; meaning it can be transmitted from one person to another.”

He, however, said they were working as a team, involving animal, human, environment, information and other stakeholders to coordinate emergency health activities at the Public Health Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) to curtail any outbreak.