Bird flu spread to 7 states

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Develop­ment, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, last week disclosed that the Avian Influenza (bird flu) recently reported in Kano and Lagos states, has now spread to five other states.

He listed the states to include Kano, Lagos, Ogun, Delta, Riv­ers, Edo and Plateau, stating that 21 commercial farms, nine live bird markets and one private zoo have been affected in the seven states.

“As at today, January 21, 2015, a total of 140,390 birds have been associated with bird flu exposures, with 22,573 (16 per cent) mortality recorded. The most affected state has been Kano State where the initial case of the bird flu was found.

“A total of 103,445 birds have reportedly been exposed to the infection in Kano State, with 15,963 (15 per cent) mortal­ity reported. These cases were found in Gwale, Kumbotso, Tofa, Gaya and Ungogo Local Governments,” he stated.

Adesina said the total number of birds under close watch in La­gos State is 31,195 and 3,347 (11 per cent). The three confirmed cases were from Somolu and Eti Osa Local Governments.

He added: “All the farms have been quarantined and de­contaminated. Other locations in Ikorodu, Ojo and Lagos Main­land have already been quaran­tined, while awaiting confirma­tion.”

The Minister also said Sag­amu in Ogun State has reported two locations with one positive case (Ifo) and another negative case (Sabo).

Said he: “Of the 1,030 birds currently under watch in the two locations, 163 (15 per cent) have experienced mortality. Other states with positive cases reported are Rivers, Delta, Edo and Plateau with figures ranging between 200 and 1,550 mortali­ties.”

Akinwunmi said in all these states, different levels of inter­ventions, including depopula­tion, decontamination and quar­antine have been introduced, adding that his ministry was spearheading a rapid response system in close collaboration with the state governments’ min­istries of agriculture.

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