Fresh cases of disease diagnosed in Kano, Lagos

Fresh cases of the avian flu aka bird flu have been diagnosed in Lagos and Kano States, authorities say.

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.”