On Wednesday, the Plateau State government confirmed the outbreak of bird flu(Avian Influenza) in the state. Reports show about it had already affected seven poultry farms. The reports show that about 20,000 have been destroyed from the outbreak of the bird flu. Dr. Doris Bitrus , the Minister of Agriculture has taken measures to contain the disease following the outbreak. The Minister said they that ensured the carcasses and wastes are adequately disposed.

          On Wednesday, the Plateau State government confirmed the outbreak of bird flu(Avian Influenza) in the state. Reports show about it had already affected seven poultry farms. The reports show that about 20,000 have been destroyed from the outbreak of the bird flu. Dr. Doris Bitrus , the Minister of Agriculture has taken measures to contain the disease following the outbreak. The Minister said they that ensured the carcasses and wastes are adequately disposed.

          The Minister advised live bird owners and marketers to improve their hygiene measures within and around the farms and markets. She advised against the sale, slaughter and consumption of sick and dead birds. She also advised members of the poultry association against the sale, slaughter and consumption of sick and dead birds. Dr Ayuba Musa, Desk Officer, Avian Influenza, Ministry of Agriculture, who also confirmed the outbreak of the disease, told NAN that measures had been taken to reduce the spread of the disease “We are conducting surveillance; we have been inspecting farms that we suspect could host the disease and have collected many samples and taken them to the laboratory,” he said.
Dr Ezekiel Pam, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, also told NAN that the ministry had necessary equipment to evacuate dead birds and other materials, if directed by the government.

          Mr John Dasar, Chairman, Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Plateau State chapter, in his reaction, thanked government for swiftly stepping in to check the spread of the disease in the state. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) has assured Nigerians of early containment of the outbreak of bird flu like it did in 2006, stressing that it would collaborate with governments and all stakeholders to stamp out the disease in the country. The new national president of the association, Dr Edgar Amos Sunday, stated this at the inauguration of the new executive council of the association at the University of Ibadan, Ibadan, recently.

          Dr Amos explained that his members would deploy all intellectual, professional and patriotic resources towards early containment of the bird flu, while assuring poultry farmers and general public that the association is on top of the situation. He commended the Minister of Agriculture, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, for his commitment in curbing the spread of the disease and used the forum to appeal to all tiers of government to employ more veterinarians. In his remarks, Oyo State Commissioner for Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development, Alhaji Ambali Hammed, represented by an Assistant Director in the ministry, Dr Segun Oriade, commended the efforts of veterinarians in the state and urged the association to work together with all state governments in checkmating outbreak of diseases in the country.

          Alhaji Ambali assured the association of the government’s support to achieve success in the profession. Earlier in his welcome address, the NVMA Chairman, Oyo State Branch, Dr Ibrahm Adekunle, highlighted efforts of the association in reducing outbreak of diseases in the state, especially the recently inaugurated central abattoir in the state, which was part of the association’s achievements. Meanwhile, the Chairman, Board of Trustees, NVMA, Oba Kamarudeen Adekunle Sansi, Esure of Ijebu-Musin, Ogun State, charged the new executive members to work towards moving the profession to a greater height and seek advice from members and stakeholders.

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Over 20,000 birds killed as bird flu breaks out in Plateau State