Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The Rivers State Ministry of Agriculture has confirmed an outbreak of the highly pathogenic avian influenza, also known as bird flu, in a 3,000-capacity poultry farm in Iriebe, Obio/Akpor Local Council of Rivers State.
The outbreak was reported on January 17, 2025, and confirmed by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Victor Kii, who stated on Tuesday that the affected farm has been quarantined to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread of the disease.
“The birds have been depopulated, and the premises have been decontaminated using international best practices,” Kii said.
Meanwhile, poultry farmers are calling on the Federal Government to reduce tariffs on imported micro-inputs and poultry production equipment while implementing a duty-free policy to lower production costs and drive growth in the poultry value chain.
The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) made the call during a visit to the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, who emphasized the urgent need for government intervention to address challenges facing the poultry industry.
“The large-scale cultivation of maize, sorghum, and soy is imperative. Without these critical inputs, we cannot break free from the present challenges. Be assured, progress is already underway,” Maiha said.
PAN also advocated for the government to act as the “buyer of last resort” for key grains like maize and soy to stabilize market prices, ensure a steady supply of poultry feed, and enhance national food security.
Additionally, the association supported maintaining restrictions on frozen poultry imports to protect local producers and attract foreign investments into Nigeria’s poultry sector.
