FG, FAO Launch $350,000 Bird Flu Project, Set to Train 240 Animal Health Workers

The Federal Government has partnered with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) to strengthen Nigeria’s preparedness, detection, and response to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, through a $350,000 intervention project that will train 240 animal health personnel nationwide.

The initiative was unveiled on Thursday during the inauguration of the FAO Technical Cooperation Programme Project on Strengthening HPAI Preparedness, Detection and Response in Nigeria.

According to a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, the project aims to enhance disease surveillance, laboratory diagnostic capacity, risk communication, and stakeholder coordination under the One Health framework.

Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, described the poultry industry as a critical pillar of Nigeria’s food security and economic development but warned that it remains vulnerable to transboundary animal diseases, particularly avian influenza.

He noted that since the disease first appeared in Nigeria in 2006, recurring outbreaks have continued to pose serious challenges to poultry farmers and the wider economy.

“The poultry industry remains a critical component of Nigeria’s livestock sector. However, it continues to face threats from transboundary animal diseases, particularly Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza,” Maiha said.

The minister expressed concern over the resurgence of the disease since 2021, noting its devastating impact on poultry production, livelihoods, food security, and international trade.

He commended the FAO for funding the intervention, describing the project as a timely response that aligns with the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen disease prevention and control across the livestock sector.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Chinyere Akujobi, represented by the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, Samuel Anzaku, said Nigeria continues to record annual outbreaks of HPAI despite improvements in disease control measures.

She explained that the disease’s epidemiology has evolved, affecting multiple bird species, with layer farms suffering the most severe economic losses and disruptions across poultry value chains.

FAO Representative in Nigeria, Otto Muhinda, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in combating transboundary animal diseases and building a more resilient poultry sector.

Muhinda disclosed that over the next nine months, the project will train 240 animal health personnel, strengthening the country’s frontline response to disease outbreaks. He added that predictive tools would also be developed to improve preparedness and reduce future risks associated with avian influenza.

The ministry revealed that confirmed HPAI outbreaks were recorded in Kebbi, Kano, Katsina, Plateau, and Bauchi states in 2026, highlighting the persistent threat the disease poses to poultry production, food security, and livelihoods.

The FAO-backed intervention will be implemented across seven pilot states and will focus on improving surveillance systems, laboratory diagnostics, biosecurity measures, risk communication, and rapid response mechanisms.

Stakeholders at the launch, including representatives from the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Veterinary Council of Nigeria, the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and the Federal Ministry of Environment, stressed the importance of collaboration in tackling disease outbreaks and safeguarding the country’s poultry industry.

Avian influenza is a highly contagious viral disease caused by influenza A viruses that primarily affect wild and domestic birds. While the disease mainly spreads among bird populations, certain strains, including H5N1, can occasionally infect humans and other mammals through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated environments.