Governance
FG, FAO Call for Stricter Measures to Curb Avian Influenza Spread
The Federal Government, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), has called for stronger measures to prevent the spread of avian influenza through effective control of animal movement and strict adherence to biosecurity protocols.
The National Programme Coordinator of the Avian Influenza Control Programme at the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr. Mitchell Alao, made the call at a workshop on strengthening the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service in Keffi, Nasarawa State.
Dr. Alao, who is also the Head of the Department of Animal Health and Reproductive Services, said effective movement restrictions are essential to preventing the spread of the disease from infected birds to unaffected areas.
In his presentation, the FAO Country Team Lead for Livestock in Nigeria, Dr. Otto Vianney, disclosed that the organisation had developed a digital tool for collecting data on animal movement globally.
Dr. Vianney said the initiative would improve the monitoring and tracking of animal movements, enhance surveillance, and strengthen collaboration among stakeholders in the poultry value chain.
A major highlight of the workshop was an inspection visit to the Garaku Toll Gate along the Akwanga Road in Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State to assess animal movement procedures and the effectiveness of existing monitoring and control measures.
