RSG Begins Control Of Poultry Products, Soon

Following the boom in commercial poultry products across the state, the Rivers State Ministry of Agriculture says it will commence control of poultry products to avert spread of diseases.
Acting Director in the Ministry of Agriculture in-charge of Livestock, Dr Godwill Ukoikpoko, gave the hint when he played host to members of the live Bird Marketers in Rivers State last Monday and urged them to clean their business premises to prevent avian diseases.
The veterinary doctor said the sensitisation on Bio-Security became necessary following a recent discovery of a strain of the highly pathogenic avian influenza in birds in the live Bird markets in some states in the country.
He urged them to wake up to their responsibilities by regularly cleaning and disinfecting their environment; and to put in place other measures that will not only protect the lives of the birds, but also that of the marketers and buyers.
Ukoikpoko cautioned them against selling and processing unhealthy and dead birds; and urged marketers to dispose them properly to prevent people from consuming them.
Speaking, the Regional Disease Surveillance System Enhancement, Dr Agatha Ugboma in a presentation titled: “ It Will Limit The Spread Of Diseases, Save Money And Guarantee Peace Of Mind”.
Ugboma, who faulted the sitting of the Live Bird facility in the centre of an open market, advised them to always clean and disinfect their premises.
The President, Live Bird Marketers, Rivers State, Mr Ihemadu Charles, said that marketers were planning to build Live Bird markets at Rumuokoro, Mile 1 and Port Harcourt main town.
He expressed their readiness to partner with the State Ministry of Agriculture and Federal Government to enable them access loan from them and promised to take the sensitisation to other marketers in the various Live Bird Markets.
Another marketer, Mr Emeh Chukwuma, appealed to the state government to constitute a task force to monitor the activities of the Live Bird business.

By: Kevin Nengia