Lagos begins decontamination of 26 poultry markets against avian influenza

Lagos State Government has begun two-week decontamination of 26 major poultry markets in the state against the resurgence of avian influenza (bird flu).

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Mrs Abisola Olusanya stated this in a statement on Wednesday that the decontamination the exercise was informed by the reported resurgence of the flu in Kano and Plateau States.

She noted that it was of utmost importance for the state government to take preventive measures to prevent the occurrence of the flu in Lagos.

Hence, she listed the poultry markets to be decontaminated to include Awolowo Live Bird Market; Mushin Main Live Bird Market; Cairo Live Bird Market, Oshodi; Bolade Live Bird Market, Arena; Olaleye Live Bird Market and Bariga Live Bird Market.

Others are Ketu Live Bird Market; Mile 12 Live Bird Market; Tejuosho Live Bird Market; Oyingbo Live Bird Market; Jankara Live Bird Market, Lagos Island and Pelewura Live Bird Market, Lagos Island.

The list also includes Makanjuola Live Bird Market, Alade; Oja Oba Live Bird Market, Agege; Abattoirs I and II; Idera Live Bird Market; Isale Oja Live Bird Market, Agege; Alayabiagba Live Bird Market; Alaba Suuru Live Bird Market and Agboju Live Bird Market.

“Also, Ojo Cantonment Live Bird Market; Alaba Rago Live Bird Market; Okokomaiko Live Bird Market; Ejina Live Bird Market, Ikorodu; Sabo Live Bird Market, Ikorodu; as well as Odongunyan Live Bird Market.

She emphasized that the state had set up surveillance networks in seven zones in the state.

According to the Commissioner it was stated that after the last outbreak of avian influenza in the state in 2017, routine animal disease surveillance activities had been carried out in the state.

“This is done mostly during the festive period when there was a surge in the demand for birds.

“Due to the recent reports of the resurgence of Bird Flu (Avian Influenza) in Kano and Plateau States on Jan. 29, 2021, it has become necessary to intensify preventive measures to forestall the resurgence in our state.

“Hence, we will be carrying out a two-week disinfection programme in 26 major poultry markets across the state.

“Within a space of one week, the outbreak has been confirmed in two commercial farms in Kano and another in Jos, Plateau State, an indication that the disease is rapidly spreading to other states”, Olusanya said.