FG trains 62 officers on HPAI surveillance in wildlife, wetlands

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, has commenced the training of 62 Multi-sectoral Officers on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Surveillance in Wildlife and Wetlands.

Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria Dr. Samuel Anzaku, stated this on Monday while declaring open a 6-day National Training of Multi-sectoral Officers on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Surveillance in Wildlife and Wetlands in Akwanga, Nasarawa state.

The training was organised in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention in partnership with Strengthening Infectious Disease Detection System (STRIDES).

The training had its theme” Strengthening Wildlife Disease Surveillance For Early Detection of HPAI”

Anzaku, represented by Dr. Alao Mitchell, National Programme Coordinator, Avian Influenza Control Programme, Federal Ministry of livestock Development said that 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 important roles in the ecology and transmission of avian influenza viruses,” he said.

He said that the purpose of the training was to strengthen the knowledge and practical capacity of multisectoral officers to detect, report and respond effectively to HPAI threats at the wildlife–livestock–human interface.

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

“This partnership is 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 that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has placed strong emphasis on food security, economic growth, livelihood protection and resilient productive sectors.

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

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

“Followed by prompt information-sharing and coordinated response. This underscores the importance of the multisectoral approach adopted 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 programme.

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 of Infectious Disease Surveillance Adviser STRIDE- Nigeria, appreciated the federal government for its efforts and commitment to eradicate animal and other diseases in the country.

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