The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has partnered with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) to launch an emergency animal health project to eradicate Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) nationwide in Karu, Nasarawa State, following severe new bird flu outbreaks that have hit poultry farms in Kebbi, Kano, Katsina, Plateau, and Bauchi states this year.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, opened the inception workshop for the newly approved Technical Cooperation Programme supported by a 350,000 US dollar grant from the FAO.
The nine-month emergency project focuses entirely on boosting early disease detection, upgrading laboratory diagnostic capacity, and improving risk communication.
The initiative uses a unified “One Health” framework to bring together veterinary doctors, environmental scientists, and human health experts to halt the transboundary virus before it mutates or spreads further.
The resurgence of avian influenza since 2021 has caused significant financial losses for smallholder and commercial poultry operators, disrupting local egg and meat supply chains.
The Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, Dr Samuel Anzaku, noted that the epidemiology of the disease has evolved dangerously, with the virus now spreading across multiple bird species. Layer farms remain the most severely damaged segment of the market, which continues to drive up food prices and block Nigerian poultry products from entering international trade markets.
To build a stronger frontline workforce, FAO representative Dr Otto Muhinda confirmed that the project will immediately train 240 animal health personnel in field epidemiology and rapid response.
The intensive field operations will focus on seven selected pilot states across Nigeria to test advanced digital predictive tools and enforce strict farm biosecurity protocols.
The strategy has secured full support from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN), and the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA).
Source: Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation
Image Credit: MS Schippers
