Kwara government has tasked livestock farmers and stakeholders in the poultry business in the state with an improved bio-security network in their farms.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Yisa Gideon, gave the charge in a statement issued by the Director of Veterinary Service in the ministry, Dr. Abdulateef Olugbon.

Gideon said that the call had become necessary in order to prevent the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) disease in the state.

The call was sequel to the report of an outbreak of the disease in Kano, Plateau, Oyo, and 12 other states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The commissioner explained that public sensitization had become imperative due to the devastating nature of the disease to livestock business and its implications on the populace.

Maina to remain in prison as court refuses fresh bail application

While describing the disease as the ‘zoonotic’ type, with the capacity to transmit to humans, disclosed that its symptoms included: sudden death, swollen head, eyelids, comb, purple discoloration, coughing, and sneezing, among others.

He encouraged poultry farmers to source for their new poultry stocks outside the affected states and ensure restriction of movement of visitors to their farms.

Gideon also advised livestock farmers to report any unusual event, with some of the afore-mentioned symptoms in their farms, to the nearest area veterinary office or the Directorate of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development on 0803376 5024