Birnin Kebbi — Poultry farmers in Kebbi State have been warned on dangers of absence of bio-security facilities in their farms which could cause outbreak of avian influenza, otherwise known as bird flu.

A survey conducted by an avian influenza control project team in the state showed that most of the poultry farms visited were either lacking proper bio-security or it is completely absent.

The project's desk communication officer, Alhaji Aliyu Jajirma explained that bio-security entails proper shelter, periodic checks by qualified veterinary doctors and separation of new birds from old ones. He said in maintaining a healthy poultry farm, these modern facilities must be provided, otherwise the birds could be prone to diseases.

He said though there was no confirmed case of bird flu in Kebbi State, the outbreak of the disease in neighbouring states of Sokoto, Zamfara and Niger has prompted the control agency to take preventive measures against its spread into the state.

The communication officer said the disease control team would embark on advocacy visits to the four emirate councils in the state to seek cooperation of traditional rulers to sensitize public on prevention of Avian influenza.