The Kano State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, has reassured residents of the state that there is no cause for alarm over the recent confirmation of a bird flu case.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by
Ibrahim Abdullahi, the Information Officer Ministry of Health, Dr. Yusuf urged the public to remain calm, emphasizing that the situation is under control.

“The case we have is isolated and not significant enough to be declared an outbreak. The ministry is on top of the issue and has taken proactive measures to contain it before it becomes a threat to public health,” he said.

The reassurance followed reports that in December 2024, a young man from Gwale Local Government Area introduced a duck purchased from Janguza Market, Tofa LGA, into his flock, which included hens, guinea fowls, and chickens.

Shortly after, respiratory distress was observed among the birds, leading to the death of 35 out of 50 birds.

Laboratory tests in January 2025 confirmed the presence of the bird flu virus in samples from the flock.

“Upon receiving the diagnosis, the Ministry of Agriculture promptly sealed the premises, culled the remaining birds, and decontaminated the compound,” the statement reads.

The ministry also decontaminated the live bird market in Janguza and sensitized sellers about the risks and prevention of bird flu.

Dr. Yusuf highlighted the government’s coordinated efforts to address the situation.

“We convened a meeting with the Emergency Preparedness Response and One Health Committees, involving the ministries of agriculture, environment, and water resources, as well as our partners, to strategize on combating this issue effectively.”

He further disclosed plans for weekly stakeholder meetings and daily surveillance reports from all local government areas to monitor the situation closely.

“We will intensify surveillance, especially among poultry and bird rearers, and provide regular updates to the public while keeping Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf informed of the situation,” he added.

The commissioner also warned about the dangers of bird flu to humans, explaining that the virus can cause symptoms such as fever, mucous, and redness of the eyes.

He urged poultry farmers to act as frontline surveillance officers by promptly reporting any unusual health conditions in their birds to the authorities.

“Protecting your flock is safeguarding your wealth and health. Early reporting allows for timely action to prevent further spread of the disease,” he said.

Bird flu: Health commissioner reassures Kano residents, says situation under control