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New cases of Avian influenza (Bird flu) have been discovered in Nigeria, with increased number of deaths recorded in poultry and bird markets in Kano and Lagos.
According to the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, the country is under the scourge of the deadly H5 strain of the infectious virus which affects only poultry birds.
The ministry announced on Thursday instructed that:“All state Directors of Veterinary Services and the Federal Capital Territory, Poultry Association of Nigeria and other stakeholders have been informed and advised to be on alert with intensified bio-security measures to avert possible spread of the disease to other states. The World Organisation for Animal Health and Inter African Bureau for Animal Resource and development partners have been appropriately notified in compliance with our statutory international obligations.”
Avian influenza is an infectious viral disease that affects poultry birds