By Samuel
In a bid to prevent the spread of Avian Influenza and other zoonotic diseases, the Lagos State Government has begun a week-long disinfection of live bird markets across the state.
According to the Commissioner for Agriculture, Abisola Olusanya, the decontamination will be done in no fewer than 33 poultry markets in the state.
The exercise kicked-off yesterday, with the decontamination of the Awolowo Live Bird Market, Mushin.
Other markets to be disinfected are; Mushin main Live Bird Market; Cairo Live Bird Market, Oshodi; Bolade Live Bird Market, Arena; Olaleye Live Bird Market; Bariga Live Bird Market.
Ketu Live Bird Market; Mile 12 Live Bird Market; Tejuosho Live Bird Market; Oyingbo Live Bird Market; Jankara Live Bird Market, Lagos Island and Pelewura Live Bird Market, Lagos Island, will also be decontaminated.
Others are Oja Oba Live Bird Market, Agege; Abattoir 1 & 2 Live Bird Markets; Idera Live Bird Market; Isale Oja Live Bird Market, Agege; Ikotun Live Bird Market; Alayabiagba Live Bird Market; Alaba Suuru Live Bird Market; Agboju Live Bird Market and Festac Live Bird Market, among others.
President of the Live Bird Marketers in Lagos State, Mrs. Olushola Osoba noted that incidences of Avian Influenza and bird mortality had significantly reduced, following the initiative of the state government.
According to her, the state had earlier carried out this exercise four times, this year.
She said, “The Lagos State Government ly doing well for us. This year, this is the fifth time the State Government will be disinfecting our market for us.
“Because of this, the mortality rate of our chickens has reduced.”
The commissioner, therefore, urged the traders and other key players to play their part in ensuring the success of the exercise.