FG Steps Up Bird Flu Fight, Pledges Stronger Surveillance System

The Federal Government has renewed its commitment to eradicating Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, commonly known as bird flu, as part of broader efforts to improve animal health systems and safeguard the country’s poultry sector.

The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, made this known on Thursday in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. He spoke at the opening of a two-day workshop focused on a project aimed at strengthening preparedness, detection, and response to the disease.

Maiha assured that the government would ensure the workshop’s outcomes are fully implemented to enhance disease prevention and control across the livestock industry.

He noted that Nigeria has experienced recurring bird flu outbreaks since 2021, which have affected poultry farms across several states and caused significant economic damage. The outbreaks have been recorded in all geopolitical zones, including major poultry-producing states such as Kano, Plateau, and Ogun.

The minister stated that these repeated outbreaks have led to heavy economic losses, disrupted the poultry value chain, destroyed livelihoods, and raised serious concerns about both animal and public health.

He emphasized that effectively controlling the disease requires a well-coordinated national response backed by strong surveillance and timely reporting systems. According to him, the Ministry recognises the need for efficient laboratory networks, rapid disease reporting, effective emergency response mechanisms, and close collaboration among all stakeholders.

Maiha praised the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations for supporting the initiative with a $350,000 grant, describing the funding as timely and in line with government priorities.

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, represented by the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, Dr Samuel Anzaku, said the workshop aims to gather input from stakeholders to find lasting solutions to the recurring outbreaks.

Anzaku noted that since the disease resurfaced in 2021, Nigeria has recorded cases every year without interruption. Infections have been found in various bird species, including layers, broilers, ducks, turkeys, geese, and local chickens.

He called on poultry farmers, veterinarians, and animal health workers to strengthen collaboration with the government by reporting suspected outbreaks early, describing early reporting as the most effective tool for rapid response and containment.

Stakeholders at the workshop, including representatives from the FAO, the Veterinary Council of Nigeria, the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, and the Federal Ministry of Environment, pledged their support for coordinated efforts to eliminate the disease.

The event brought together federal and state officials, development partners, researchers, and poultry industry players to strengthen Nigeria’s response framework against avian influenza.