1, 1429 A.H.
MONDAY AUGUST 4 2008
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Bird flu under control – FG
THE federal government has said it would continue to do everything possible to control Avian Influenza (bird flu) in Nigeria, to prevent its transmission to human beings.
The minister of agriculture and water resources, Dr. Abba Sayyadi Ruma, gave the assurance in a press release issued to journalists in Abuja by the chief veterinary officer of Nigeria, Dr. Junais Maina,
According to the release, Dr. Ruma confirmed new outbreaks of Avian Influenza in Faggen Kawo village of Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area of Kano, and Kadarko quarters, GRA in Katsina states.
The statement which was made available by Surajo Ibrahim Gaya, Kano projects desk officer AICP, enjoined the general public to continue to practice hygienic behaviors and ensure strict bio-security measures on their farms, in the markets and report any suspicious situation to appropriate authorities.
Meanwhile, in Kano, immediate actions have been taken to control the outbreak of the diseases as the affected farms have been depopulated and disinfected by a team led by the state projects desk officer, Dr. Sarki B. Muhammad.
In addition, detailed epidemiological investigation is on going to trace the source of the outbreak.
The release added that a team set up by the federal government headed by Prof. P.A. Abdul of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, ABU Zaria, in conjunction with officers from Abuja National Office of Avian Influenza Control projects, National Veterinary Research Institute, VOM and Kano state AICP officials have already visited the affected farm where blood sample from birds were taken for analysis at Vom, Plateau state.
The state communication component desk office had carried out sensitization and awareness campaign on hygienic practices for the disease prevention at the affected area.
