Dr Abdullahi Abubakar Gaya, the medical director at Gwale Veterinary Clinic, Kano State, has confirmed that an outbreak of bird flu has killed 32 chickens in the area.
He confirmed the outbreak during an interview with newsmen on Wednesday.
He said the Index Case of the disease was first observed on Dec. 7, 2024 when a young man brought his dead guinea fowl to the clinic.
He said after a presumptive diagnosis of the dead bird, its sample was taken to the National Veterinary Reference Laboratory in Jos where the disease was confirmed to be birds flu.
According to Dr. Gaya, the guinea fowl died alongside several other birds including chickens and ducks which cohabited at the young man’s backyard.
The veterinary doctor advised poultry keepers to always isolate birds newly bought from the market for at least two weeks before they mix them with others.
He also advised them to always take their birds to the nearest veterinary clinic when they notice any sickness in them, so as to take the necessary measures.
Also, he advised people to avoid touching dead animals and birds so as to avoid getting infected by some diseases they might carry.
Meanwhile, Kano State Government has called on residents to remain calm following the situation.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, explained that the rumors started after a young man in Gwale Local Government Area introduced a duck to his flock, which resulted in the death of 35 out of 50 birds.
He said, “The young man brought a sample to the Gwale Veterinary Clinic for diagnosis, where the bird flu virus was confirmed.”
Dr. Yusuf assured residents that immediate and proactive measures were taken to contain the spread of the virus.
“Upon confirmation of the result, the Ministry of Agriculture sealed the location, depopulated the remaining birds, and decontaminated the compound,” he said.
He stressed that the situation is under control and not severe enough to warrant being classified as an outbreak.
“The ministry has also decontaminated the premises of live bird markets, such as the Janguza market, and sensitized sellers on the risks associated with bird flu,” the commissioner added.
To address the issue comprehensively, the commissioner convened a meeting with key stakeholders, including the Emergency Preparedness Response and One Health Committees, to discuss strategies for containment.
“Surveillance will be intensified across all local government areas, especially among poultry and bird rearers, with daily reports sent to the committees,” he assured.
Dr. Yusuf also highlighted the symptoms of bird flu, which include fever, mucus discharge, and redness of the eyes.
He urged poultry rearers and residents to report any suspected cases promptly to the authorities for immediate action.