Lagos begins pre-festive disinfection of live bird markets

Lagos State government on Monday at the Awolowo Live Bird Market, Mushin, kicked off week-long disinfection and decontamination of 32 major live bird markets across the state.

Abisola Olusanya, the state commissioner for agriculture, said the exercise was aimed at preventing the spread of avian influenza and other zoonotic diseases this festive period when the demand for live birds was expected to rise.

Among the markets the exercise will also be carried out are Cairo Live Bird Market, Oshodi/ Bolade Live Bird Market, 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 and Festac Live Bird Markets.

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The disinfection, according to Olusanya, would also take place at 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 Markets and Badagry.

The commissioner urged members of the Live Bird Marketers Association of Nigeria and all stakeholders to give their full support and cooperation in order to ensure the success of the exercise.

Meanwhile the president of Live Bird Marketers in Lagos State, Olushola Osoba who witnessed the commencement of the exercise commended the state government for continuous support to the association.

She said it was the fifth time this year the state government would be disinfecting the market, and as a result, members of her association have recorded low mortality of their birds to avian influenza.