Dr. Abdullahi Abubakar Gaya, Chief Medical Officer of Gwale Veterinary Hospital, has confirmed the death of 37 chickens in Gwale Local Government Area following a bird flu outbreak.
Dr. Gaya warned residents against consuming infected poultry, emphasizing the severe health risks associated with the disease.
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In a statement to journalists, Dr. Gaya explained that the outbreak began when a chicken rearer brought an infected guinea fowl from Janguza Market without isolating it. “Mixing of the infected guinea fowl led to the death of 37 other birds at the poultry with a population of over 50 birds,” he said. The case was reported to the hospital on December 7, 2024. “After purchasing the guinea fowl and mixing it with other birds, the guinea fowl died, after which other chickens started dying one after the other.”
Dr. Gaya urged caution, explaining that consuming slaughtered infected birds could lead to health complications. “Bird flu is a highly infectious respiratory disease,” he said, adding that the index case remains isolated to this poultry farm. He also advised that anyone who buys birds should ensure they are isolated before mixing them with other poultry. “If you see a sign of sickness in a bird or any animal, report it to the nearest veterinary hospital. If you see a dead bird, do not touch it; report it to the nearest veterinary hospital,” he added.
Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, Kano State Commissioner for Health, assured the public that the situation is under control. He confirmed that the Ministry of Agriculture had acted quickly to contain the disease. “The bird flu virus was confirmed, and the state Ministry of Agriculture took proactive measures to contain the spread. Immediately upon receipt of the result, the Ministry sealed the place, depopulated the remaining chickens, and decontaminated the compound.”
Dr. Yusuf further stated that the outbreak is not severe enough to be declared a full-scale outbreak, adding that surveillance in poultry areas will be intensified. “The ministry also decontaminated the premises where live birds are sold in Janguza Market and sensitized sellers on the effects of bird flu.”
He concluded by urging poultry rearers and residents to remain vigilant for symptoms of bird flu, including fever, mucous, and redness of the eyes, and to report any suspected cases to authorities for timely action.
