The Lagos State government has commenced a two-week decontamination exercise of twenty-six major poultry markets in the state against the resurgence of avian influenza (bird flu).
Ms Abisola Olusanya, the Commissioner for Agriculture, stated in a statement that the decontamination exercise was informed by the reported resurgence of the flu in Kano and Plateau States.
Olusanya noted that it was of utmost importance for the state government to take preventive measures in order to prevent the occurrence of the flu in Lagos. She said that the state had set up surveillance networks in seven zones in the state.
According to the commissioner, it is not only imperative to curtail the resurgence of the bird flu, but also of utmost importance to act fast with the devastating nature of the disease to the poultry industry and its serious socio-economic impact on the value chain.
She said since the last outbreak of avian influenza in the state in 2017, routine animal disease surveillance activities had been carried out in the state.
The commissioner noted that measures to prevent the resurgence of avian influenza in the state could not be overemphasised as the state have about 3,000 poultry farms and 150 live bird markets within its territory.
She listed the poultry markets to be decontaminated to include Awolowo Live Bird Market; Mushin Main Live Bird Market; Cairo Live Bird Market, Oshodi; Bolade Live Bird Market, Arena; Olaleye Live Bird Market and Bariga Live Bird Market.
Others are Ketu Live Bird Market; Mile 12 Live Bird Market; Tejuosho Live Bird Market; Oyingbo Live Bird Market; Jankara Live Bird Market, Lagos Island and Pelewura Live Bird Market, Lagos Island.
The list also include Makanjuola Live Bird Market, Alade; Oja Oba Live Bird Market, Agege; Abattoirs I and II; Idera Live Bird Market; Isale Oja Live Bird Market, Agege; Alayabiagba Live Bird Market; Alaba Suuru Live Bird Market and Agboju Live Bird Market.
Also, Ojo Cantonment Live Bird Market; Alaba Rago Live Bird Market; Okokomaiko Live Bird Market; Ejina Live Bird Market, Ikorodu; Sabo Live Bird Market, Ikorodu; as well as Odongunyan Live Bird Market.
