Bird Flu: Sokoto Records Four Cases, Kills 8,000 Birds

Sokoto State Ministry for Fishery and Animal Health has confirmed four cases of Avian Influenza, otherwise known as bird flu, in the state. Director of veterinary in the ministry, Dr. Aminu Ibrahim, told Daily Trust that four cases were confirmed out of the seven suspected cases which samples were sent to the National Veterinary Research Institute in Plateau state. He said that the ministry has de-populated some of the affected farms in which 8,000 birds were killed.

According to him, the first outbreak was recorded in January 25, 2015 at a village called Mande, in Sabon Birni Local Government Area. Ibrahim said following the discovery, a committee was set up which visited 36 poultry farms, establishing seven cases, in the state
last month. He added that four of them were confirmed positive as a result of which the ministry sealed, de-populated and sprayed the affected farms.The director disclosed that they have concluded documentation of three of the affected farms which was sent to Abuja for compensation.

He assured that the documentations of the remaining farms would be sent this week.

Ibrahim advised poultry farmers and bird handlers to handle all poultry products with caution and report any abnormal death of birds to the appropriate authorities to enable them respond rapidly. He also called on farm managers to comply with the bio-security procedure.

culled from dailytrust.com.ng