Farmers urged to stay alert as bird flu spreads to Plateau, 1 other state

The spread of the highly pathogenic Avian Influenza, commonly known as bird flu, has reached Plateau and Katsina states.

The Federal Government had earlier alerted farmers and veterinary offices about outbreaks in Kano State, but new cases have now been confirmed in the two additional states.

In Plateau State, an outbreak was reported on January 23, 2025, at Farin Gada in Jos North Local Government Area. Dr. Shase’et Sipak Dawat, the Director and Chief Veterinary Officer for Plateau State, disclosed in a statement that the disease was detected on a farm housing over 3,000 birds.

Dr. Dawat expressed concern that the farmer had already sold the infected birds before officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development could intervene for depopulation, decontamination, and disinfection.

“In view of this sad development, poultry farmers are advised to be vigilant and upscale the hygiene standard of their farms and maintain strict biosecurity, please. May God protect our farms,” the statement read.

In Katsina State, the Zonal Veterinary Officer in Malumfashi, Dr. Yau Ishaku, reported an outbreak on January 21, 2025, which preceded the Plateau incident. In his message to farmers, Dr. Ishaku urged poultry farms in Malumfashi, Kafur, and Kankara Local Government Areas to implement strict biosecurity measures to prevent further spread of the disease.

“Due to a confirmed case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Katsina State on January 21, 2025, it’s important that all poultry farms in Malumfashi, Kafur, and Kankara adhere to strict biosecurity measures in order to prevent the entrance of such disease of economic and zoonotic importance into their farms,” he noted.

Farmers were further advised to restrict access to their farms, disinfect feeders and drinkers daily, and monitor their birds for signs of the disease. Authorities urged all poultry farmers to report any suspicious cases promptly to relevant agencies.

With the disease spreading, heightened vigilance has been called for across affected states to protect poultry farms and prevent further economic losses.