Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NEVMA), Ekiti state chapter, has said that the N700 billion poultry business in the country was under serious threat of the dreaded Avian Influenza, “unless urgent steps are taken to prevent the spread of the disease.”
Chairman of the Association in Ekiti state, Dr. Odunayo Alo, made the statement in Ado-Ekiti, while supervising the distribution of bio-security materials worth several thousands of naira to live poultry sellers.
He charged the beneficiaries to ensure the efficient use of the products to ensure that human and live poultry are not exposed to the Avian Influenza virus, the materials distributed include disinfectants and sprayers among others in Ado Ekiti
He said: “We must be proactive in our approach to the issue of Avian Influenza. Though no outbreak of the disease has been recorded in this state, yet, we think it is necessary to give these important items to these stakeholders so that they can ensure the upkeep of their poultry and the pen environment.
“lf the poultry industry is contributing N700 billion to the nation’s economy, you can imagine the proportional economy gains it gives to the economy.”