In this chat with Chioma Obinna, he is optimistic that the latest outbreak of Bird flu will be effectively contained. He also speaks on possible responses , preventions and recommendations for the Federal government. Excerpts:
Let me start by saying that signs of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5 sero type - 'Bird Flu' were observed in a backyard poultry farm with heavy mortalities in Kano on the 2nd of January, 2015. Several deaths of birds were also reported in Live Bird Markets in Lagos and Benin about the same period during the seasonal sales.
Final confirmatory diagnosis by the National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom was made on 8th January 2015 and this was promptly reported to OIE (World Animal Health Organisation) on the 9th January 2015 by Nigeria's Authorised Veterinarian, Dr Abdulganiyu Abubakar who is the Chief Veterinary Officer/ Director, Federal Department of Livestock.
This outbreak is not new to the country, it is a recurrence of the previous outbreak of 27th July 2008 which devastated the poultry industry mostly in Kaduna and the south western parts of Nigeria. There was a successful and painstaking containment by the Veterinary/Animal Component of the National Emergency Response team that was established by the Federal government.
Recommendations
Nigeria through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture should immediately and truthfully reactivate and fund the Animal Component of the National Emergency Response team.
A moribund committee was formed sometime in 2013 with the intention of monitoring the surveillance of the disease. The inauguration of the committee was indefinitely postponed, this is the time to act.
Any delay arising from decreased governance due to political campaigns for the forthcoming election may result in widespread outbreak and the public health implications when man could be affected vertically is better imagined.
As it is now, If the disease is adequately dealt with at the poultry farms, there would not be any fears in its transmission to man. Nigerian Veterinarians have been adequately sensitized since the report of the case was announced through various professional internal communication mechanism.
Bio security and bio safety measures are being reintroduced and enforced at most poultry farms. Safe production practices are being monitored in the farms by Veterinary authorities in all the states.
Several live bird markets have been fumigated in Lagos with potent chemicals and it is necessary that all other states should take a cue from this.
Policy
Currently, there is no vaccination policy against Avian Influenza for birds in Nigeria and that was a significant decision taken by the Veterinary Authorities during the previous outbreak that assisted the record rapid containment of HPAI H5 N1.
That policy is still in place and no farmer should be deceived by charlatans who may intend to create unnecessary panic and rip off the farmers.
Hand and feet washing is a critical part of Bio Security for all workers in the poultry farm and also recommended for organised/ individual Poultry products users in the kitchens.
Apart from direct contact transmission of Avian Flu virus, The current dry, hazy harmattan weather may serve as easy vehicles of spread of several viruses if farmers are unmindful of professional advice from their Veterinary doctors. Farmers must increase their efforts to improve the husbandry of birds, thereby alleviating the harsh environmental parameters that may reduce natural immunity of birds against infection.
Alertness
The State Directors of Veterinary Services are capable of ensuring necessary alertness at their boundaries with neighboring states, to effectively track inter-state transfers of poultry & their products during this period to prevent any likely spread from one state to another.
As additional cautionary measures to people, poultry products-meat and eggs should be thoroughly cooked before eating, while adequate hygiene must be maintained in our kitchens by whosoever is preparing our chicken for meal.
With the benefit of experience, there is every likelihood that the reported outbreaks would be contained quickly as in the previous ones in 2008.
The structures- human and animal components of Avian Influenza controls that were established in the past, but rested when containment was achieved can easily be mobilized once more if funds are urgently provided by the Federal Government.
SOURCE; VANGUARD NEWSPAPER
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