The Rivers State Government acknowledged the emergence of highly virulent avian influenza, popularly called bird flu.
The government acknowledged the outbreak at a 3,000-capacity chicken farm in Iriebe, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
Victor Kii, the Rivers State Commissioner for Agriculture, confirmed this in a signed statement released in Port Harcourt on Tuesday and distributed to journalists.
Kii stated that the state ministry has quarantined the affected farm, depopulated the diseased birds, and decontaminated the premises.
He also stated that a veterinary team is conducting effective surveillance in the surrounding areas to prevent further spread and urged poultry farmers and members of the public to immediately report any unusual symptoms in birds, such as sudden death, decreased egg production, or respiratory distress, for prompt action.
The statement reads, “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.”
It added, “The signs of the disease include high mortality of up to 100 percent without premonitory signs, swollen comb and wattles, reduced egg production, respiratory distress, and redness in the shank.”
The commissioner also stated that the Ministry of Agriculture is collaborating with various organisations, including the Poultry Association of Nigeria, Fowl Sellers Associations, and the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, on an awareness campaign to educate poultry farmers on the best ways to prevent the disease.
He said it would also educate farmers and the general public about avian influenza, its symptoms, and the significance of biosecurity measures in chicken management.
“The Ministry of Agriculture is committed to safeguarding the health of our poultry industry and the public, and we ask for the cooperation of all stakeholders. By working together and remaining vigilant, we can mitigate the impact of this outbreak,” the statement added.
