The Kebbi State Epidemiology Operation Centre (EOC) has issued a public alert regarding an outbreak of avian influenza (Bird flu), in the state.
This was revealed during a joint inspection at Amanawa in Kalgo Local Government Area, when officials from the Directorate of Veterinary Service, including Alheri Ibrahim Senchi, and the Directorate of Public Health, represented by Abubakar Bagudu, discovered a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza at a poultry farm.
Accompanied by the state’s ‘One Health Team’, which comprises representatives from the Ministries of Animal Health, Environment, Health, Information, WHO, and other partners, they underscored the seriousness of the situation.
They emphasized that the outbreak of the H5N1 virus, which resulted in the death of all peacocks at the farm where it originated, poses a significant threat to human health and could be fatal.
Doctor Alheri, who heads the state’s ‘One Health Team’, assured that immediate measures have been implemented to contain the H5N1 virus and prevent its spread across the state.
“We observed that some peacocks were unwell, and the pattern of their deaths raised concerns. After conducting preliminary investigations and analyzing samples at a veterinary diagnostic laboratory in Jos, it was confirmed positive for the highly pathogenic virus (H5N1),” he stated.
Meanwhile, Bagudu, the Director of Public Health, confirmed the activation of the state Epidemiology Operation Centre and emphasized ongoing collaboration with partners like WHO to prevent the disease from spreading beyond its current location in the state.
“We have devised a mitigation plan, which involves monitoring individuals who have had contact with animals for 14 days to detect any symptoms. This measure is aimed at preventing the spread of the disease to humans,” he explained.
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