The Federal Government in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has launched a $350,000 intervention project aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s response to outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza.
The nine-month initiative is designed to train about 240 animal health workers across selected states, while also improving surveillance systems, diagnostics, and biosecurity measures in poultry production. Officials explained that the programme will adopt a One Health approach, linking animal health, human health, and environmental safety to reduce the risk of disease transmission and economic losses in the livestock sector.
Avian influenza outbreaks have previously caused significant losses in Nigeria’s poultry industry, affecting farmers’ livelihoods and food supply chains. Experts warn that weak surveillance systems and delayed reporting often worsen the spread of the disease. Strengthening early detection and rapid response mechanisms is considered critical to protecting both public health and agricultural productivity.
The project is expected to run across seven pilot states, with stakeholders expressing optimism that it will improve preparedness against future outbreaks. Authorities say lessons from the programme could be scaled nationally if successful.
