Bird Flu Hits Kano, Lagos, Kaduna

      
Nigeria's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development yesterday announced that there has been an “unusual high mortality” in two poultry farms and live bird markets in Kano and Lagos states. PUNCH reports.

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.

Taking action, the ministry had quarantined the infected premises and placed restriction of movement of poultry and poultry products into and out of areas around infected premises.

“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.”