Fresh cases of the avian flu aka bird flu have
been diagnosed in Lagos and Kano States,
authorities say.
The discovery was announced by the Federal
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development on
Thursday, January 15.
The ministry said in a statement that some
samples were taken for testing after a high
mortality rate was discovered in two poultry
farms and live bird markets in the states.
The samples were examined at the the National
Veterinary Research Institute and they tested
positive for H5 strain of Avian Influenza Virus.
The statement added that confirmatory samples
had also been sent to the International Reference
Laboratory in Padova, Italy, for further
characterization.
The statement reads:
“All state directors of veterinary services and the
Federal Capital Territory, Poultry Association of
Nigeria and other stakeholders have been
informed and advised to be on alert with
intensified bio-security measures to avert
possible spread of the disease to other states.”
“The World Organisation for Animal Health and
Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resource and
development partners have been appropriately
notified in compliance with our statutory
international obligations.”
“It added that it had ensured immediate
reactivation of all animal health component of
the Emergency Preparedness Plan on bird flu for
Nigeria, adding that the conduct of surveillance
activities around infected areas to determine the
level of spread of the disease was being
undertaken.”
“All stakeholders in the poultry industry are
urged to enhance hygienic practices (bio-security
measures) which include, but not limited to,
regular disinfection, proper disposal of dead
carcasses and poultry products and timely
reporting of mortalities in poultry and other bird
species to veterinary authorities.”
“We wish to assure the public that, given our
experiences in handling previous outbreaks and
with your full cooperation in the implementation
of containment measures, we are determined to
contain this disease again within a short time.
We will keep you informed as events unfold.”
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