Research institute trains poultry farmers, bird operators on flu

The National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) in Vom Plateau State has organised a 5-day training workshop for poultry farmers and live-bird market operators on how to tackle the menace of Avian Influenza popularly known as bird flu. The participants were drawn from across the 36 states of the nation, and the workshop is to afford […]

The National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) in Vom Plateau State has organised a 5-day training workshop for poultry farmers and live-bird market operators on how to tackle the menace of Avian Influenza popularly known as bird flu.

The participants were drawn from across the 36 states of the nation, and the workshop is to afford key stakeholders in the poultry value chain the opportunity to discuss pertinent issues relating to biosecurity in the management and control of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza.

In his welcome address, the Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NVRI, Dr. David Shamaki, said the resilience of the participants was laudable and that their attendance showed their individual and collective commitment to eliminating Avian Influenza in Nigeria.

Represented by the Director, Diagnostic and Extension Services of the Institute, Dr. Philip Okewole, the CEO  implored them to interact closely with the facilitators and experts towards achieving the goals and objectives of the FAO funded training.

Also speaking, the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria and Director of Veterinary and Pest Control of the Federal Department Services Abuja, Dr. Olaniran Alabi, said through the training, participants will acquire skills on basic biosecurity practices that will enhance poultry production and aid in the prevention and control of poultry diseases.

Professor Mrs Lami Lombin  presented the National Action Plan on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, while an FAO consultant and Dean, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Jos, explained that the major components of the action plan include political will mobilization, capacity building, compensation scheme for live bird markets and laboratory consumables.

Participants received various presentations on Avian Influenza from seasoned experts, including an interactive review on the disease, how it started in Nigeria and the role of farmers in combating it. This was presented by Dr. Tony Joannis of the Regional Laboratory on Avian Influenza and Trans Boundary Animal Diseases of NVRI.