By Wole Adedeji, Ilorin
The Kwara State government has distributed biosecurity materials to poultry farmers in the state to prevent bird flu.
Distributing the materials to the farmers, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry for Agriculture and Rural Development, Hajia Maryam Nurudeen Mohammed, said that the devastating nature of bird flu to poultry industry informed the state government decision to provide poultry farmers with biosecurity materials.
The equipment, which comprised disinfectants, motorized sprayers, wheelbarrows, shovels, biosecurity kits and gloves, among others, were aimed at preventing the spread of bird flu in the state.
Hajia Mohammed however enjoined the beneficiaries to ensure proper use of the equipment.
In his remarks, the Director, Veterinary Services of the ministry, Dr. Abdullateef Saliman Olugbon, charged the poultry farmers to redoubled their efforts on biosecurity network of their farm.
Dr. Olugbon said, “Bird flu has been detected in six states of the federation, including our neighbouring states, which testify to the significance of today’s programme, though it has not been officially confirmed in the state, but that does not mean we don’t have it, early last month some samples were taken from reported cases around Eiyekorin axis in Asa Local Government Area, but the results came out negative.”
He further urge the poultry farmers to increase the level of biosecurity in their farm and ensure restrictions of movement within the farm’s vicinity with a view to preventing the farm against any form of contagious disease.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Chairman, Kwara State Poultry Farmers Association of Nigeria, PFAN, Mr. Akinwumi Richard, while appreciating the state government for its generousity, assured the present administration of the industry’s unalloyed support to its policies and programmes .
