By Usman Usman Garba
Amid growing concerns in Kano State about the rumored outbreak of avian influenza, also known as bird flu, the state government has urged residents to remain calm and report any suspected cases of the disease to the appropriate authorities.
The rumors began circulating after a report emerged that in December 2024, a young man from Gwale Local Government Area purchased a duck from Janguza Market in Tofa Local Government Area and introduced it to his flock, which included hens, guinea fowls, and chickens.
Soon after, the man noticed that his birds were showing signs of respiratory distress, and mortality rates increased. Out of a flock of 50 birds, 35 died. Concerned, the man took a sample to the Gwale veterinary clinic for diagnosis. In the first week of January 2025, bird flu was confirmed in the samples.
Upon receiving the test results, the State Ministry of Agriculture acted swiftly, sealing off the location, depopulating the remaining chickens, and decontaminating the compound.
The ministry also sanitized the premises where live birds are sold at Janguza Market and conducted a sensitization campaign to inform sellers about the risks of bird flu.
In a statement issued today, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, the State Commissioner for Health, assured the public that there was no cause for alarm. He emphasized that the situation did not yet warrant the declaration of an outbreak.
“The ministry is actively addressing the issue and taking proactive measures to control the spread of the disease and prevent it from becoming deadly,” Dr. Labaran stated.
He explained that, because bird flu can infect humans and cause severe illness, he had convened a meeting with the Emergency Preparedness Response and One Health committees, which include officials from the Ministries of Agriculture, Environment, and Water Resources, as well as other partners. The meeting focused on discussing strategies for addressing the issue.
“For now, this is what we are doing,” Dr. Labaran continued. “Weekly meetings will be held with stakeholders, and the public will be kept regularly informed. Surveillance will be intensified in every local government area, particularly among poultry and other bird farmers. Reports will be sent to the committees on a daily basis and the situation will be communicated to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.”
The commissioner urged poultry farmers to be vigilant and act as the first line of defense, noting that common symptoms of bird flu include fever, mucus, and redness of the eyes. He advised bird owners to report any signs of illness in their flocks to the relevant authorities for prompt action.