According to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural
Development, bird flu has hit Lagos and Kano states respectively.
The ministry made the announcement on Thursday, stating that
an unusual high mortality rate in two live bird markets and poultry farms had
caused them to conduct investigations into the matter, Punch reports.
The bird’s blood samples were sent to the National Veterinary Research
Institute for testing. Test results revealed that the blood contained H5 Strain
of Avian Influenza virus. Additional blood samples have been sent to the
International Reference Laboratory in Padova, Italy for further investigation.
According to reports, “Avian influenza, known informally as
Avian flu or bird flu, refers to influenza caused by viruses adapted to birds.
Influenza, commonly known as ‘flu’ is an infectious disease caused by the
influenza virus.”
The ministry stated that the affected premises have been
quarantined, and a restriction on movement of poultry and poultry products in
an out of the regions has been placed.
“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,”
the ministry said via a statement.
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