Bird Flu Resurfaces In Plateau State

Poultry farmers in Plateau State are in for a tough time with the resurgence of avian influenza (bird Flu) which has affected about 10 farms, with over 20,000 birds destroyed and the farms placed under surveillance. 

The Director of Veterinary Services, Plateau State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Doris Bitrus, confirmed to Channels Television that the affected firms have been depopulated and decontaminated to forestall the spread of the disease to other farms in the state.
The fresh cases of the disease were first reported to the Ministry on January 8, 2016, which prompted the Ministry to embark on inspection of the affected farms, as well as sensitisation of poultry farmers on steps to take on noticing symptoms of the disease.
Some of the affected farms have been depopulated and fumigated by the Avian Influenza Control Unit of the Ministry, in order to reduce the risk of the disease spreading to other farms.
They also warned the farmers to adhere strictly to bio-safety and hygienic measures within and around their farms and markets.
One of the affected farms, where about 10,000 birds were destroyed, which has been in operation for over 30 years, is yet to recover from the devastating effects of the attack.
The Plateau State Poultry Association of Nigeria has urged farmers in the state to report any fresh case to the Ministry of Agriculture for tests and further assistance, to avoid the spreading of the disease.