Bird Flu resurfaces in Nigeria

Bird Flu resurfaces in Nigeria

While Nigeria is making frantic efforts to combat the spread of Lassa fever in the country, another health epidemic may to be lurking in the corner. The epidemic is no other than Bird flu, an avian influenza that has forced veterinary authorities in Plateau State to cull more than 22,000 birds. Other affected states include Kano where 80,000 birds were destroyed in 45 farms, with Lagos and Ebonyi culling 2,000 and 1,500 birds respectively. Speaking on the outbreak, the Chief Veterinary Officer of the Plateau State Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Doris Bitrus revealed that the number of affected poultry farms now stand at 10,even as she said the government is taking all necessary measures to contain spread of the disease. We are equally worried at this development and call on the authorities to tackle the disease with all seriousness it deserves. Avian influenza, otherwise known as Bird flu, is a form of infection caused by a virus that affects birds (fowls, ducks, etc) and leads to their death (cartoon by nasoweseeam.com, story culled from dailytimes.com.ng).