A devastating outbreak of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, has hit Plateau State, killing at least 300 birds in a farm located in the Bassa Local Government Area. The alarming development was confirmed by the state’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Shase’et Sipak, who revealed that laboratory tests conducted by the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom, confirmed the outbreak.
“When we got wind of the suspected outbreak at Bassa, we immediately went there and took a sample that was later confirmed positive by the NVRI laboratory,” Dr. Sipak stated while addressing the press in Jos on Wednesday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the affected farm suffered a 100 percent morbidity rate, meaning all birds exposed to the virus either succumbed to the disease or were culled to prevent further spread. Over 280 birds reportedly died from the virus before authorities moved swiftly to depopulate the remaining stock.
In an urgent response to curb the outbreak, government officials sealed off the farm and implemented stringent biosecurity measures to prevent the virus from spreading to other farms in the region.
Dr. Sipak urged poultry farmers across the state to heighten their vigilance and enforce strict biosecurity protocols to protect their livestock.
“Bird flu is a highly contagious viral disease that poses a serious threat to the poultry industry. Farmers must take proactive measures, including limiting farm access, disinfecting facilities, and closely monitoring bird health,” he advised.
Avian influenza outbreaks can have severe economic and food security implications, particularly in regions where poultry farming is a major livelihood. Authorities are now on high alert, monitoring other farms to prevent further losses.
Residents and poultry farmers are urged to report any unusual bird deaths to veterinary officials immediately.
PIONEER NEWS 