Avian Influenza Alert: OYSG Launches Stakeholder Awareness Campaign

As part of its ongoing efforts to prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases, the Oyo State Government has sensitized stakeholders in the poultry industry on the prevention of Avian Influenza.

Speaking at a sensitization and awareness meeting held today at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, emphasized the urgency of proactive engagement in response to recent outbreaks of Avian Influenza reported in Kano and Katsina States.

Speaking through the Director of Regulation and Enforcement, Mr. Olusegun Ezekiel, Barrister Olaleye noted that the resurgence of Avian Influenza, commonly known as bird flu, poses a significant threat not only to poultry production but also to public health. He described it as a highly contagious disease with zoonotic potential, underscoring the need for early action and collaboration among stakeholders across the poultry value chain.

“In line with the Government’s commitment to the welfare of our people and the security of lives and property, we are taking deliberate steps to safeguard public health and ensure the sustainability of the agricultural sector,” Olaleye stated.

He explained that the objective of the awareness campaign is to educate farmers, particularly veterinarians, animal handlers, and the general public on the symptoms and risk factors associated with Avian Influenza. The campaign also aims to promote improved biosecurity practices, enhance surveillance, and encourage prompt reporting and response to suspected cases.

Highlighting the achievements of the current administration under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, the Commissioner disclosed that over 250,000 sheep and goats have been immunized against Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), and 120,000 cattle vaccinated against Anthrax and Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP). He also announced the recruitment of 20 veterinary doctors and 25 animal health technologists to strengthen veterinary services, meat inspection, and ambulatory care across the State.

While allaying farmers’ fears, the Commissioner revealed that a national field trial of imported Avian Influenza vaccines is currently underway on selected farms. The results, he said, will guide future national vaccination policies.

In her words, the Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. (Mrs.) Laide Azeez, urged participants to extend the awareness to their various groups and associations, stressing that preventing Avian Influenza is a shared responsibility.

Delivering a presentation on “Avian Influenza: Symptoms, Prevention, early detection and response strategies,” Dr. Stephen Adejoro explained that infected birds typically exhibit symptoms such as lethargy, decreased appetite, reduced egg production, nasal discharge, and sudden death. He recommended that the Federal Government support and fund Avian Influenza vaccination as a national control strategy.

In his remarks, Chairman, Poultry Association of Nigeria, Oyo State Chapter, Elder Omikunle Omidokun, commended the State Government for its proactive measures to prevent the disease’s outbreak. He suggested that the awareness campaign be extended to all zones of the State to ensure wider coverage and sensitization. He further called on the Federal Government to collaborate with key stakeholders, particularly hatchery operators, to support the introduction of Avian Influenza vaccination.