Nigeria, FAO Partner to Combat Bird Flu with $350,000 Emergency Fund

By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

The Nigerian government and the Food and Agriculture Organisation, FAO have signed a $350,000 agreement to combat recent bird flu outbreaks.

This partnership, funded through the FAO’s Technical Cooperation Programme, aims to provide an immediate response while strengthening the nation’s animal health infrastructure.

The intervention targets 11 affected states, focusing on enhancing disease surveillance and emergency coordination.

These funds will support rapid response strategies designed to contain the virus and prevent further transmission to unaffected poultry farms across the country.

Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, emphasized that controlling such diseases is vital for farmer livelihoods and national food security. He attributed the spread to factors like cross-border animal movement, climate-induced droughts, and contact with wild animal populations.

FAO Representative, Hussein Gadain stressed the importance of early detection and improved veterinary services at the community level. The FAO will provide technical expertise to help Nigeria adopt better biosecurity practices, creating a more resilient system against future biological threats.

The collaboration also promotes a “One Health” approach involving the NCDC and the Ministry of Health.

By focusing on the link between animal and human health, the initiative seeks to prevent zoonotic diseases and safeguard the general public.

To ensure long-term success, a Livestock Donor Working Group will be established to coordinate international support. This group will oversee national strategies for animal feed and livestock productivity, aiming for a permanent solution to recurring disease outbreaks.