FG alerts farmers on bird flu

In response to the recent detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) commonly known as ‘bird flu’ in the United Kingdom and other European nations, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has issued an alert to poultry farmers, urging them to remain vigilant. The Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, Dr Samuel Anzaku, in a letter […]

In response to the recent detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) commonly known as ‘bird flu’ in the United Kingdom and other European nations, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has issued an alert to poultry farmers, urging them to remain vigilant.

The Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, Dr Samuel Anzaku, in a letter to the directors of veterinary services in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Tuesday, asked the states and farmers to step up surveillance activities in their various domains. 

He said a confirmed outbreak of the highly pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 has been reported at a commercial poultry facility in Newark-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire. The incident was detected on December 29, 2025.

“Accordingly, Nigeria, through the Ministry of Livestock Development, in a bid to protect its poultry industry against the incursion, is placing all stakeholders on red alert.

“Further to the above, you may recall there is an existing ban on the importation of frozen poultry and meat into Nigeria. This policy was instituted to discourage imports of frozen poultry and meat and to support local farmers.

Dr. Anzaku emphasized that it is crucial for all pertinent stakeholders, including the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service, National Veterinary Research Institute, State Directors of Veterinary Services, and the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), to be aware of these outbreaks. This awareness is essential to implement the necessary measures to prevent the entry and dissemination of this disease within the country.