Plateau confirms fresh cases of bird flu

The Plateau State Government on Friday announced a fresh outbreak of Avian Influenza, saying that the bird flu had so far affected six farms.

The announcement is contained in a statement signed by the state’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Doris Bitrus, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria in Jos.

According to him, the fresh cases of bird flu were reported to the Ministry of Health on January 8.

“Six farms have been confirmed positive of the disease; the farms host a total of 10,000 birds,” the statement said.

It said the government had taken proactive measures to contain and control the disease, so as to arrest its spread to other farms.

The statement advised poultry farmers and live bird marketers to step up bio-safety and hygienic measures within and around their farms and markets.

The government also advised members of the public to avoid the sale, slaughter and consumption of sick birds, adding that chicken products should be properly cooked before consumption.

It, however, advised Plateau residents to remain calm and report any disease suspected to be avian influenza to the control project office of the Veterinary Hospital, Jos.