Avian influenza outbreak hits Rivers poultry farm

The Ministry of Agriculture has confirmed an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza, also known as bird flu, in a 3,000-capacity poultry farm in Iriebe, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The outbreak, reported on Thursday, January 17, 2025, was confirmed by the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Victor Kii, in a statement on Tuesday.

According to the statement, the affected farm has been placed under strict quarantine to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread of the disease.

The commissioner noted that the birds have been depopulated, and the premises decontaminated using international best practices.

He stated that disinfectant chemicals have been provided for continuous decontamination of the farm and that the ministry’s veterinary teams, in collaboration with the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, have visited the farm and taken necessary measures to prevent the spread of the disease.

He added that the ministry has also launched an awareness campaign to sensitise poultry farmers on best practices to prevent the disease.

The campaign, he further said, is being carried out in collaboration with various organisations such as the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) and the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, and aims to educate farmers and the public about avian influenza, its symptoms, and the importance of biosecurity measures in poultry management.

The commissioner urged poultry farmers and members of the public to report any unusual symptoms in birds, such as sudden death, decreased egg production, respiratory distress, redness in the shank, and swollen comb and wattles.

He assured that the ministry is committed to safeguarding the health of the poultry industry and the public and has asked for the cooperation of all stakeholders, saying:

“By working together and remaining vigilant, the Ministry believes that the impact of the outbreak can be mitigated.

“For further information or to report symptoms, the public can contact the Ministry of Agriculture on 08142631325 or visit their social media platforms: Instagram – rsministryofagriculture, Facebook – Rivers State Ministry of Agriculture.”

He also assured that all necessary measures are being taken to prevent the spread of the disease and to protect the health of the public.