FG trains 62 officers on HPAI surveillance in wildlife and wetlands

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has started training 62 multi-sectoral officials on surveillance of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in wildlife and wetlands.

Nigeria’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Samuel Anzaku, said this on Monday while announcing the opening of a 6-day national training for multi-sectoral officials on surveillance of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in wildlife and wetlands in Akwanga, Nasarawa State.

The training was organized in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Nigerian Center for Disease Control and Prevention in collaboration with the Strengthening Infectious Disease Detection System (STRIDES).

The theme of the training was “Strengthening wildlife disease surveillance for early detection of HPAI”

Anzaku, represented by Dr. Alao Mitchell, National Program Coordinator, Avian Influenza Control Programme, Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, said the theme of the training was highly relevant to Nigeria’s animal health, food security and public health priorities.

“HPAI remains a significant threat to poultry production, livelihoods, trade, biodiversity and public health, while wild birds and wetlands play an important role in the ecology and transmission of avian influenza viruses,” he said.

He said the aim of the training was to strengthen the knowledge and practical capacity of multi-sectoral officers to effectively detect, report and respond to HPAI threats at the wildlife-livestock-human interface.

“It also provides an important platform to strengthen coordination, information sharing and collaboration between relevant institutions responsible for wildlife, animal health, environment and public health.

“This partnership represents a valuable contribution to the federal government’s efforts to strengthen the national animal health system and promote effective multisectoral collaboration under the One Health approach,” he added.

Anzaku said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda placed strong emphasis on food security, economic growth, protection of livelihoods and resilience of productive sectors.

“In support of this national direction, the Nigeria Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NLGAS) provides a framework to strengthen the livestock sector and accelerate its contribution to national development and sustainable livestock development.

He adds that effective HPAI surveillance goes beyond sample collection. It requires early recognition of unusual illness or mortality, accurate documentation, timely reporting, appropriate investigations, safe specimen collection, and laboratory confirmation.

“Followed by rapid information sharing and a coordinated response. This underlines the importance of the multi-sectoral approach taken for this training,” he added

He encouraged all participants to use the training to strengthen their practical knowledge, clarify institutional responsibilities, improve information sharing, and establish professional networks that will continue beyond this program.

Anzaku reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s animal health system through improved surveillance, preparedness, laboratory capacity, disease prevention and response.

In his goodwill messages, Dr. Philip Igawe, STRIDE Infectious Disease Surveillance Advisor – Nigeria, appreciated the Federal Government for its efforts and commitment to eradicate animal and other diseases from the country.

They recognize the critical importance of effective disease surveillance as a cornerstone of animal health, food safety, public health and national economic development.