The Kano State Government has confirmed an isolated case of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, in the state.
The state government confirmed this in a press statement issued on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Yusuf.
According to the statement, the case which was reported in Gwale Local Government Area (LGA), was traced to a man who purchased a duck from Janguza Market in Tofa LGA in December 2024.
After introducing the duck to his poultry, which included hens, guinea fowls, and chickens, the birds exhibited signs of respiratory distress, leading to the death of 35 out of 50 birds, the statement said.
“Later he noticed that his birds were showing respiratory distress and then there was mortality; out of 50 birds, 35 died.
“He then decided to bring sample to Gwale veterinary clinic for diagnosis of which in the first week of January 2025, bird flu virus was confirmed on the samples.
“Immediately upon recipt of the result, the state ministry of agriculture proactively sealed the place, depopulated the remaining chickens and decontaminated the compound. The ministry also decontaminated the premises of selling live birds in Janguza market and sensitized sellers on the affect of the bird flu.”
Having confirmed the disease, the statement said that the affected premises were sealed, the remaining birds culled, and the area thoroughly decontaminated.
It added that live bird sellers at Janguza Market were also sensitized about the disease.
The statement also urged residents to remain calm, stressing that the situation does not yet constitute an outbreak.
“The ministry is taking proactive measures to prevent the spread of bird flu and its potential impact on public health,” he said.
The commissioner highlighted ongoing efforts, including the activation of Emergency Preparedness Response and One Health committees, comprising key ministries and partners, to coordinate containment strategies.
Weekly stakeholder meetings will ensure updates are shared, and surveillance across all LGAs, particularly among poultry farmers, will be intensified.
He also called on poultry farmers to remain vigilant and report any signs of illness in their birds, noting that symptoms of bird flu in humans include fever, mucus, and red eyes.
