The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
on Thursday announced that there has been unusual high
mortality in two poultry farms and live bird markets in Kano
and Lagos States.
It said samples forwarded to the National Veterinary
Research Institute tested positive for H5 strain of Avian
Influenza Virus, otherwise known as bird flu, adding that
confirmatory samples were sent to the International
Reference Laboratory in Padova, Italy, for further
characterisation.
Avian influenza, known informally as Avian flu or bird flu,
refers to influenza caused by viruses adapted to birds.
Influenza, commonly known as ‘flu’ is an infectious disease
caused by the influenza virus.
The ministry, in a statement, noted that it had taken some
measures in the affected sites to contain the reported
outbreaks.
According to the FMARD, it had quarantined the infected
premises and placed restriction of movement of poultry and
poultry products into and out of areas around infected
premises.
It said, “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.
FMARD said, “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.” CLICK HERE TO READ FULL AND TOUCHING NIGERIAN CELEBRITIES BIOGRAPHY AND SCANDALS
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