Date: 2021-09-01

The Kwara State Government has charged livestock farmers and stakeholders in poultry business on improved bio-security network in their farms to prevent the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) disease in the State.

This is sequel to the report of outbreak of the disease in Kano, Plateau, Oyo and 12 other States of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Hon. Saba Yisa Gideon gave the charge in a press release signed by the Director of Veterinary Service of the Ministry, Dr. Olugbon Abdulateef.

Hon. Gideon explained that the public sensitisation becomes imperative due to the devastating nature of the disease to livestock business and its implications on the populace.

The Commissioner, who described the disease as a zoonotic type with the capacity to transmit to human beings, disclosed that some of the symptoms of the disease include sudden death, swollen head, eyelids, comb, purple discoloration, coughing and sneezing, among others.

He further encouraged poultry farmers to only source for their new poultry stocks outside the affected states and also urged them to ensure restriction of movement of visitors to their farm.

Hon. Gideon also advised livestock farmers to report any unusual event with some of the aforementioned symptoms in their farm to the nearest area veterinary Office or the Directorate of Veterinary Service, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Headquarters on 0803376 5024.

Yusuf Ganiyu Adebisi Press Secretary

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development