Federal government, poultry association issue alert on poultry disease outbreak in Nigeria
NIGERIA – The Federal Government (FG) and the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) are responding to a poultry disease outbreak in Kano State, raising alarms within the agricultural sector.
The situation has triggered concerns among farmers, industry stakeholders, and consumers over its potential effects on food supply and economic stability.
The disease has reportedly caused significant losses in poultry stocks in affected areas, emphasizing the urgency of coordinated actions to manage the crisis and mitigate its consequences.
Initial reports suggest that the disease, suspected to be avian influenza or bird flu, has spread across multiple poultry farms in Kano, killing thousands of birds.
Farmers, grappling with the rapid spread of the illness, are scrambling to prevent further losses.
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, in collaboration with PAN, has advised farmers to implement stringent biosecurity measures, such as regular cleaning of farm facilities, limiting human access, and isolating sick birds to curb the disease’s spread.
Kano State, a major contributor to Nigeria’s poultry production, plays a significant role in the nation’s agricultural economy.
The outbreak poses a serious threat to food supply and the livelihoods of farmers in the region.
The poultry sector, which employs millions and is a key source of protein for many households, is facing potential disruptions that could drive up the prices of eggs and chicken.
PAN has urged farmers to promptly report suspected cases to relevant authorities and work closely with government agencies tasked with disease control.
The association has also called on the government to enhance surveillance efforts and ensure that vaccines and other preventive measures are made available to farmers.
Public education on disease symptoms and prevention has been highlighted as a critical component of containment efforts.
The poultry industry in Nigeria supports approximately 180 million birds, producing around 300,000 tons of chicken meat and 650,000 tons of eggs annually.
Despite this, domestic production only meets 30% of national demand.
Per capita, Nigerians consume about 3.5 kilograms of eggs and 2.5 kilograms of poultry meat each year, leaving a gap that has been exploited by cartels manipulating prices.
The southern region accounts for 57% of the country’s poultry production, while farming systems range from extensive setups to intensive operations.
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