Bird flu: Ekiti rolls out preventive measures

By Victor Akinkuolie, Ado-Ekiti
The Ekiti State Government has cautioned poultry farmers and stakeholders to adopt stringent measures to curb the spread of Avian Influenza within the state.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Ebenezer Boluwade, in a statement issued in Ado-Ekiti, described Avian Influenza as a zoonotic disease that can be transmitted between birds and humans.
He emphasised that the highly contagious disease could cause devastating losses in poultry if not properly managed.
Boluwade urged stakeholders to enhance biosecurity protocols on their farms, particularly in light of suspected cases reported in other parts of Nigeria.
He advised regular cleaning and disinfection of clothing, footwear, equipment, and vehicles used on farms, as crucial steps to prevent the disease’s incursion into Ekiti.
The commissioner also highlighted other preventive measures, including avoiding the sharing of equipment with other farms and promptly reporting any signs of illness or sudden deaths in flocks to the nearest veterinary offices.
Reports can also be made to the Avian Influenza Control Project Desk Office at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in Ado-Ekiti.