Public Health Implications of Informal Poultry Trade in Live-Bird Markets in Kano State

Live-bird markets are recognized globally as critical interfaces for zoonotic pathogen amplification and transmission, particularly for avian influenza and Newcastle disease. This study examined the public health implications of informal poultry trade in live-bird markets in Kano State, North West Nigeria. A market-based cross-sectional study was conducted at five live-bird markets in Kano Metropolis and two peri-urban markets. Structured observations, worker interviews, and environmental sampling were employed. Cloacal swabs from 120 market birds were cultured for Salmonella and tested for avian influenza by polymerase chain reaction. Environmental swabs from surfaces, water containers, and defeathering areas were also analyzed. Salmonella was isolated from 34.2% of bird swabs. Although avian influenza H5 antigen was not detected in this round of testing, environmental surfaces tested positive for Newcastle disease virus RNA in two markets. Market workers reported no biosecurity protocols and operated without personal protective equipment. Live and dead birds were frequently comingled in the same handling areas. The study concludes that live-bird markets in Kano represent significant amplification points for zoonotic and poultry pathogens and that public health risks are exacerbated by absent biosecurity practices. Licensing reforms, mandatory worker training, market redesign with separate zones, and routine surveillance are recommended. Keywords: live-bird market, poultry trade, zoonosis, Kano State, biosecurity