By Deborah Nnamdi
Rivers State Government has confirmed the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly known as ‘Bird Flu’ in poultry in the state.
It confirmed the bird pandemic in a 3,000-capacity poultry farm in Iriebe Community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Victor Kii, who revealed this in a statement in Port Harcourt, noted that the ministry has quarantined the affected farm, depopulated the infected birds, and decontaminated the premises.
Kii disclosed that a veterinary team is conducting effective surveillance in surrounding areas to prevent further spread.
He said: ‘The Ministry of Agriculture wishes to confirm and inform the public about the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (Bird Flu) in a 3,000-capacity poultry farm in Iriebe, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers state on Thursday 17th January 2025.
“This development is a matter of significant concern, and we are taking immediate and comprehensive measures to manage the situation and prevent any further spread of this disease.
“Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, poses a serious threat to poultry and can also affect human health. To ensure the safety of our poultry industry and the well-being of our communities in line with his excellency’s policy on food safety, the Ministry of Agriculture has implemented the following steps:
“The affected farm has been placed under strict quarantine to contain the outbreak and prevent any movement of birds or related products. Health professionals of the veterinary department of the Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Nigerian Veterinary Association of Nigeria, have visited the farm.
“The birds have since been depopulated and the premises decontaminated with international best practices. Disinfectant chemicals have been provided for continuous decontamination of the farm.
“Our veterinary teams from the veterinary department of the Ministry of Agriculture are conducting extensive surveillance in surrounding areas to monitor for any signs of the disease in other farms or wild bird populations.”
