The Plateau Chapter of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) has raised alarm that the Avian Influenza popularly known called ‘bird flu’ is on the increase in the State.

Chairman of the Association in the state, Mr. John Dasar, told journalists in Jos, Thursday, saying the ”hydra-headed disease is real.

The Plateau Chapter of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) has raised alarm that the Avian Influenza popularly known called ‘bird flu’ is on the increase in the State.

Chairman of the Association in the state, Mr. John Dasar, told journalists in Jos, Thursday, saying the ”hydra-headed disease is real.

Dasar said the number of farms and birds affected by the disease in Plateau were now double, compared to the number recorded in February.

”In February we had over 80, 000 birds that were affected by the bird flu and 23 farms destroyed in Plateau.

”Today, over 183, 000 birds are affected by the disease and more than 53 poultry farms destroyed, indicating that the spread of the disease is on the increase”, he said.

The Chairman expressed sadness over the wanton destruction of birds and farms as a result of the outbreak of the disease, as farms shot down has also affected economy activities of the state.

According to him, ”the spread of the virus has affected the economy of the state, because most farms are shot down and rendering both the farmers and their workers idle”.

He called on farmers to adhere strictly to the rules of running a poultry farm, especially by ensuring that adequate biosecurity measures were taken to avoid further spread.

He also assured farmers that Government and the leadership of PAN at state and federal levels were up and doing to ensure the disease was adequately contained.

The Desk Officer, Animal Health in the State’s Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Ayuba Haruna also that the disease was on the increase in the state but that all relevant agencies were on toes to curtail further spread.

He also advised poultry farmers to increase and intensify biosecurity measures in their various farms maintain good hygienic behaviour and should also increase the usage of disinfectants on their farms.

Ayuba however allayed the fears of contacting the disease through consumption of chicken meat and eggs, but advised that it should be properly cooked before consumption.

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Bird Flu on the Increase in Plateau- PAN