Nigeria Partners with FAO: $350,000 Emergency Fund Approved to Combat Bird Flu Outbreak in 11 States

The FAO and Nigeria's Ministry of Livestock Development partner to combat Bird Flu with a $350,000 fund, targeting 11 states for disease surveillance and biosecurity.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 12, 2026, 6:39 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Champion News

A Strategic Response to Transboundary Diseases

Following a high-level meeting in Abuja on March 11, 2026, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, and FAO Representative Dr. Hussein Gadain announced a unified plan to strengthen Nigeria’s animal health systems. The primary focus is the immediate containment of the ongoing Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as Bird Flu, which has begun affecting poultry assets across 11 states. The Minister highlighted that cross-border movements and wildlife interactions have accelerated disease spread, making a coordinated international response essential for safeguarding the livelihoods of millions of farmers.

Emergency Funding and Technical Support

The FAO has approved an emergency Technical Cooperation Programme valued at $350,000 to bolster Nigeria’s veterinary infrastructure. This intervention is designed to:

Strengthen disease surveillance and early detection mechanisms.

Improve coordination between state and community-level veterinary services.