Lagos begins pre-festive disinfection of live bird markets

The Lagos State Government has commenced a week state-wide disinfection and decontamination of 33 major live bird markets across the State.

This is according to the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms. Abisola Olusanya who confirmed that the exercise started at the Awolowo Live Bird Market, Mushin part of the State.

According to Olusanya, the exercise is aimed at ”preventing the spread of the deadly avian influenza and other zoonotic diseases as we approach the festive period when the demand for live birds increases.”

Appeal for cooperation
The Commissioner urged members of the Live Bird Marketers Association of Nigeria and all stakeholders to give their full support and cooperation, to ensure the success of the exercise.

She listed the markets where the disinfection and decontamination would take place as Awolowo Live Bird Market; 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.

Others are Oja Oba Live Bird Market, Agege; Abattoir 1 & 2 Live Bird Markets; Idera Live Bird Market, New Garage; 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.

The exercise would also take place at the Ojo Cantonment Live Bird Market; Alaba Rago Live Bird Market; Okokomaiko Live Bird Market; Ejina Live Bird Market, Ikorodu; Sabo Live Bird Market, Ikorodu; Odogunyan Live Bird Market, Ikorodu; Ajah Live Bird Market; Sangotedo Live Bird Market; Akodo Live Bird Market; Arasi Live Bird Market, Ibeju Lekki and Agbalata Live Bird Market, Badagry.

The President of Live Bird Marketers in Lagos State, Mrs. Olushola Osoba who witnessed the commencement of the exercise commended the State Government for its continuous support to her members.

“The Lagos State Government is really doing well for us. This year, this is the 5th time the State Government will be disinfecting our market for us. Because of this, the mortality rate of our chickens caused by avian influenza has reduced,” Osoba said.

Mercy Chukwudiebere