Kebbi Announces Outbreak Of Bird Flu

Kebbi Announces Outbreak Of Bird Flu

Over the weekend, the Kebbi State Epidemiology Operation Centre (EOC) issued a public alert regarding an outbreak of avian influenza (bird flu) in the state.

Dr. Alheri Ibrahim Senchi, the Director of Veterinary Services at EOC, provided details to journalists in the Amanawa area of Kalgo LGA, where a case of the highly pathogenic disease was identified on a poultry farm.

Accompanied by Dr. Abubakar Bagudu, the Director of Public Health at EOC, along with the state’s “One Health Team” comprising representatives from the Ministries of Animal Health, Environment, Health, Information, WHO, and other partners, Dr. Senchi highlighted the seriousness of the H5N1 virus outbreak, which resulted in the death of all peacocks on the affected farm.

He emphasized the potential threat to human health and the urgent need to contain the virus to prevent further harm.

Dr. Senchi mentioned that measures had been implemented to control the H5N1 virus promptly and prevent its spread.

Additionally, he expressed concern over reports of sick peacocks and noted the alarming increase in their mortality rates.

“We sent a team of doctors for preliminary investigation and sent samples to the veterinary diagnostic laboratory in Jos. When it was analysed, it was positive for the highly pathogenic virus (H5N1).”

Furthermore, Dr. Bagudu, the Director of Public Health, confirmed the activation of the EOC and informed that the health team was collaborating with partners such as the WHO to prevent the disease from spreading beyond its current location in the state.

He said, “We came up with a mitigation plan to take the list of people intermingling with animals and monitor them for 14 days to see if they will develop any symptoms.

“This is to ensure it does not escalate to the human circle.”