By Asmau Ahmad
The Kano State Government has warned poultry farmers against selling live birds infected with bird flu to members of the public. Dr Shehu Bawa, Director, Veterinary Services in the state Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, gave the warning in an interview with the News men in Kano on Monday. Bawa said any poultry farmer caught indulging in the act would be prosecuted.
He said the measure was necessary in view of the recent reported cases where some poultry farmers were found selling infected live birds to members of the public.
‘’We have had two cases where farmers were reported to have sold infected live birds to members of the public and this is a serious offence.
‘’These unpatriotic farmers will not only lose their compensation, they will also forfeit all other privileges because they have infected the Environment,’’ he said.
The director said the state government would not fold its arms and allow such unpatriotic citizens to continue with the business. He disclosed that over 300, 000 chickens had so far been killed in 52 poultry farms since the outbreak of epidemic in the state about two months ago.
He urged members of the public to report any farmer found selling infected live birds to appropriate authorities for prompt action.
‘’We are calling on members of the public to cooperate with the government by reporting such unpatriotic poultry farmers and other live bird sellers,” he said.
