The Kano state government has issued a public alert over an isolated outbreak of Avian Influenza (AI) in Gwale Local Government Area of the state.

Dr Danjuma Mahmoud, the commissioner for agriculture and natural resources, stated this in a statement on Wednesday in Kano.

He said that an isolated case of Avian Influenza (AI), otherwise called “Bird flu”, was confirmed at a multi-species backyard poultry farm in the state.

Mr Mahmoud said the disease affected both poultry and other avian species on the farm.

“On the 19th of December 2024, a case of suspected AI disease was presented to Gwale Veterinary Clinic. The affected farm is a multi-species backyard poultry farm with a variety of birds, including chickens, ducks and guinea fowls located at Hausawa quarters in Gwale LGA.

“Further history revealed that the birds started dying after the farmer added a new male duck bought from Janguza live birds market on the 12th December 2024,” he said.

The commissioner said that initial symptoms of the disease were observed on Dec. 18, 2024, with affected birds showing signs of sudden death, respiratory distress, high morbidity and mortality.

Mr Mahmoud said that 35 birds had died of the disease, while 16 others were slaughtered due to the outbreak.

According to him, a sample of the disease has been sent for laboratory analysis, adding that an Epidemic Preparedness and Response team (EPR) was set up for effective monitoring while awaiting the result.

The EPR team, he said, would embark on active surveillance and sensitisation at various live bird markets and poultry facilities.

He said the team had visited the affected farm and enforced restrictions of live birds’ movement pending the outcome of the laboratory results.

“On Jan. 1, 2025, laboratory results confirmed the presence of the AI virus in the affected birds.

“In view of the above, the state Ministry of Agriculture re-activated its AI rapid response team, which carried out the depopulation of infected birds to prevent the spread of the virus, as well as sealing and decontamination of the farm premises, including housing and equipment.

“Samples were collected from neighbouring farm and Janguza live birds’ market and taken to the National Veterinarian Research Institute for further investigation.

“While sensitisation and surveillance are ongoing on poultry farms and live birds’ markets, stakeholders are advised to adopt good biosecurity measures and also report any unusual death in their flocks,” he said.

He said the ministry would collaborate with ministry of health and relevant agencies to ensure effective monitoring of the potential risk of transmitting zoonosis to humans.  

(NAN)