From Mustapha Adamu, Kano
DGaya who confirmed the outbreak of bird flu to journalists who visited the hospital, said eating infected birds has severe consequences on human health.
He confirmed that over 32 birds died of the outbreak in Kano recently, adding that investigations are ongoing to confirm whether more birds and humans have been affected.
He narrated how the index case was recorded when a Chicken poultry keeper brought the first the chicken to the hospital arising from an infected Guinea Fowl he purchased at Janguza market without isolation.
According to him, the mixing of the infected Guinea Fowl led to the death of over 32 other birds at the poultry with a population of over 50 birds.
According to him, the poultry farmer reported the case to the hospital on December 7, 2024.
“The poultry farmer purchased the Guinea Fowl at Janguza market.
After purchasing the Guinea Fowl and mix it with other birds, the Guinea Fowl died; after which other chickens started dying. it died.
After that, his other Chickens started dying.”
Dr. Gaya warned that anybody who can consumed affected birds that are slaughtered will develop health problems, pointing out that bird flu is a respiratory diseases that is highly infectious.
“Those who consumed the birds that were slaughtered can become infected. Currently this particularly index case is the only case we have. His birds are 50, majority have died and he slaughtered some.
The Chief Medical Officer of Gwale Veterinary hospital, Dr. Abdullahi Abubakar Gaya, has warned residents against buying, eating sick and dead birds.
“ We are still investigating. More information are underway. The general advise is that if you buy a bird, you need to isolate it.
“” If you see a sign of sickness in a bird or any animal, report to the nearest veterinary hospital. If you see a dead bird, do not touch it, report to the nearest veterinary hospital. The disease is changing pattern. It is becoming serious,” Dr. Gaya added.
Our Correspondent reports that Kano state Commissioner of Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf had earlier confirmed that bird flu killed 35 chickens in Gwale Local Government Area of the state.
He called for calm, promising that the state Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture are collaboratively taken charge of the situation, stopping it from spreading to other parts of the state.
Dr. Labaran Yusuf who has been holding a series of meetings with relevant stakeholders since the news of the bird flu outbreak gave a graphic account how the bird flu was discovered in Kano lately.
According to him, “the rumor started after a young man from Gwale Local Government Area introduced a duck to his stock, which led to the death of 35 out of 50 birds.
“He then decided to bring a sample to Gwale Veterinary Clinic for diagnosis, of which, the bird flu virus was confirmed on the samples.
“ 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 state Ministry of Agriculture pro-actively sealed the place, depopulated the remaining chickens and decontaminated the compound.”
Dr. Labaran Yusuf assured residents that the situation is under control,, claiming that, “it is not severe enough to be declared an outbreak.”
He emphasized that, “the Ministry of Health is taking proactive measures to confront the disease and prevent its negative effects.
“The ministry also decontaminated the premises where live birds are sold in the Janguza market and sensitized sellers on the effects of the bird flu.”
According to him, already meetings with stakeholders, including the Emergency Preparedness Response and One Health committees have been convened to discuss strategies for containment.
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