Bird flu: Government intensifies sensitisation on bio-security

To tackle the ravaging bird flu in the country, the Federal Government has intensified campaign on the importance of bio-security. Speaking at a sensitisation workshop for stakeholders on preventive measures against avian influenzer in Lagos, Dr Ganiu Adams, Director of Veterinary Services, Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, lamented the poor usage of bio-security by poultry farmers, adding that there is the need for proper sensitisation.

“Very few commercial poultry farmers practise adequate bio-security measures. It is, therefore, important for all stakeholders of the poultry industry to be informed of the importance of observing strict bio-security.

“The current scourge has led to the loss of over 79, 000 birds, with an estimated worth of over N85 million. To control the spread, the veterinary department depopulated over 71, 000 birds. And these figures exclude the stock of farmers who did not make official report to the ministry,” he said.

Dr Ganiu, however, raised concern on the trans-boundary viral zoonotic disease (a range of disease pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites known to infect humans) with far-reaching consequences for the human health.

Taking participants through bio-security measures, Dr Anzaku of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), advocated effective waste disposal and removal of used litters from site, which he said was essential, adding that the use of a multipurpose broad spectrum virucidal and bactericidal disinfectants are capable of dealing with gross organic challenges.

“People such as employees, truck drivers, vaccination crews and vets are the most important animate factors. Staff movements should be as limited as possible, particularly where the disease situation on a site has been confirmed,” he said.

Anzaku further stressed that wherever possible, vehicles should be excluded from the site. “Those vehicles which must enter should be sprayed for disinfection on the wheels and wheel arches. All visitors must observe standard operating procedures on vehicle cleansing and disinfection.’’

Also speaking on preventive measures against bird flu in Lagos, Dr Abdulganiu Abubakar, director, Federal Department of Veterinary and Pest Control Services of the FMARD said: “This situation is not only worrisome and unacceptable but must be urgently redressed in view of the grave consequence of these outbreaks on already traumatised poultry industry in particular and food security in general.”