Nigeria and FAO launch $350,000 project to fight bird flu
The Federal Government is teaming up with the Food and Agriculture Organisation to boost Nigeria’s ability to detect and respond to bird flu outbreaks. The $350,000 intervention will train 240 animal health workers and aims to strengthen disease surveillance and laboratory diagnostics. Idi Maiha, Minister of Livestock Development, highlighted the ongoing threat bird flu poses to food security and the economy. The project will also support better risk communication and coordination among stakeholders.
Highlights
- The Federal Government and FAO are collaborating on a $350,000 project to tackle Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Nigeria.
- Idi Maiha emphasized the recurring challenge of bird flu since its first occurrence in Nigeria in 2006 and its resurgence since 2021.
- The initiative will train 240 animal health personnel and improve disease surveillance, laboratory capacity, and rapid response.
- Confirmed outbreaks of HPAI were recorded in Kebbi, Kano, Katsina, Plateau, and Bauchi states in 2026.
- The project will be implemented in seven pilot states and focuses on enhancing biosecurity, risk communication, and stakeholder collaboration.
