Federal Government, poultry association sound alarm on disease outbreak in Nigeria  

NIGERIA – The Federal Government (FG) and the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) have issued a high-alert response to a devastating poultry disease outbreak in Kano State, igniting concerns across Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.  

The outbreak, suspected to be avian influenza (bird flu), has wreaked havoc on poultry farms in the region, causing significant losses and raising fears of a broader crisis. 

Thousands of birds have reportedly succumbed to the disease, leaving farmers scrambling to contain the spread and salvage their livelihoods.  

Kano State is a vital hub for Nigeria’s poultry production, making the outbreak seriously threatening food security and economic stability. 

The poultry industry is a cornerstone of Nigeria’s agricultural economy, employing millions of people and serving as a primary source of affordable protein for households. 

A disruption of this magnitude risks driving up the cost of chicken and eggs, compounding challenges for consumers already grappling with rising food prices.  

In response, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) and PAN have mobilised efforts to control the outbreak. 

Farmers have been urged to adopt rigorous biosecurity measures, including routine cleaning of facilities, restricting human access to farms, and isolating infected birds. These steps are essential to halting the disease’s advance and preventing further losses.  

PAN has also emphasised the importance of prompt reporting, encouraging farmers to notify relevant authorities at the first signs of illness in their flocks. 

“Early detection and coordinated action are critical to limiting the impact of this outbreak,” PAN stated in a public appeal. 

The association has called on the government to strengthen surveillance and expedite the distribution of vaccines and other critical resources to farmers.  

Educational campaigns targeting farmers and the public are underway, focusing on recognising disease symptoms and implementing preventive measures. 

Enhanced awareness is expected to bolster containment efforts and mitigate further risks to the nation’s poultry supply chain.  

Nigeria’s vast poultry sector supports approximately 180 million birds annually and produces around 300,000 tons of chicken meat and 650,000 tons of eggs. 

However, domestic production meets only 30% of the national demand, leaving the market vulnerable to disruptions and price manipulation by cartels. 

The southern region accounts for 57% of total production, while farming systems vary from extensive to intensive operations. 

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