Poultry Disease Outbreak Investigation and Response Management in Kano State

This study evaluates the professional competency of veterinary officers in poultry disease outbreak investigation and response management in Kano State, located in Nigeria's North West geopolitical zone. Rapid and accurate outbreak investigation followed by targeted response is essential for minimising the scale and economic impact of poultry disease outbreaks, yet the capacity of state veterinary services to conduct systematic outbreak investigations has not been adequately evaluated in the Nigerian context. Using a mixed professional assessment design, 30 veterinary officers involved in poultry disease outbreak response in Kano State were assessed through structured knowledge tests, case scenario simulations, and review of outbreak investigation reports from 2020 to 2023. Poultry farmers who had experienced outbreaks in the preceding two years were surveyed about their perceptions of response timeliness and effectiveness. Outbreak investigation report quality was assessed against the WHO Field Epidemiology Manual standards. Findings revealed significant knowledge gaps in outbreak case definition (correctly applied by 44% of officers), laboratory sample collection and submission (correctly performed by 38%), and epidemiological curve construction (demonstrated by 29%). Response timeliness from farmer report to veterinary officer arrival averaged 4.8 days, considered inadequate for rapidly spreading infections. Farmer satisfaction with outbreak response was low (33%). The study recommends a structured outbreak investigation training programme, a 24-hour veterinary emergency response line, pre-positioned diagnostic sample kits at local offices, and streamlined reporting pathways in Kano State. Keywords: outbreak investigation, poultry disease, Kano State, response management, veterinary competency.