Vanguard reports that Dr Abdullahi Haruna, Director of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Dutse.

Dr Haruna said the registration was in compliance with directives of Minister of Agriculture, Audu Ogbeh, for states to register all poultry farms.

He added, "During one of our recent meetings in Abuja, the minister directed states to register all poultry farms operating in their area."

He explained that the registration was a proactive measure to avoid spread of diseases, particularly Avian Influenza among poultry farms across the country.

The director noted that it was also to enhance rapid response to outbreak of diseases in such farms.

He said, "The wisdom here is that, in case there is an outbreak of any disease, particularly avian influenza in any poultry farm, it will enable us to respond rapidly by taking appropriate measures to avoid spread to other farms.

"In case of any suspected outbreak, a sample will be taken from affected farm and sent to National Veterinary Research Institute (NVR), Vom, for investigation and confirmation."

According to him, all poultry farms operating in the state, irrespective of the type of birds being reared, are currently being registered by the ministry.

Dr Haruna, therefore, urged poultry owners to visit the ministry to register, or contact the Agriculture Department or any veterinary clinic close to them to register.

He added that name, address, size and location of farm owners would be provided for the registration.

The director further warned that any poultry farmer who failed to register would not be considered for compensation in case of an outbreak.

"The name, address, size and location of both farm and the owner shall be provided for the exercise.

"We even take cognisance of each of the farms, that is, its multitude and latitude so that it can be located from anywhere in the world," the director explained.