Bird Flu: 11 poultry farms in 3 states under watch, 7 states reported

In the aftermath of the bird flu cases that reportedly claimed over 2, 500 chickens last week in Lagos and Kano states, at least three other states are currently under surveillance by the Poultry Association of Nigeria, PAN, as part of the effort to prevent the disease spreading, even as the Federal government, has expressed willingness towards compensating affected farms.

Disclosing this development in Lagos, during a chat with newsmen, President, PAN, Dr. Ayoola Oduntan, who noted that the out-break was not unexpected, however, said 11 suspected farms in three different states had been under their close watch, even before the disease surfaced in Lagos and Kano.

Oduntan, who declined to mention the affected farms and the specific states under surveillance, added that the H5 strain of avian influenza virus found in chicken is being carried by a wide range of migratory birds and Nigeria happens to be seated at the junction of their migration.

On the plans by government for compensation, Oduntan disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture has shown commitment towards compensating all affected farms.