PIQUED at the continuous spread of avian influenza (bird flu) in the country, experts in the poultry industry have asked government to declare a state of emergency in the sub-sector to curb the spread of the disease.

This is coming after reports on the outbreak of bird flu in some farms in Kuje and Gwagalada local councils of the Federal Capital Territory.

The Registrar of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN), Dr. Makus Avong, in an interview with The Guardian yesterday lamented that the disease has affected many poultry farms, hence the need for government to declare total war on it to curb the spread.

He stressed the need for government to mobilise both human and material resources to tackle the scourge.
“There is need to mobilise human and material resources and also increase public education and awareness like what was done when there was an outbreak in 2006-2008.”

He said during the outbreak in 2006, government mobilised funds and also got support from international donors in the fight against the scourge. In addition, he said there was increased public awareness, which led to the disease being brought under control till it resurfaced again in 2015.

Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has alerted members of the public on the resurgence of bird flu.

The ministry said the disease, which is usually associated with birds can also be transmitted from bird to man, as well as transmission through direct contact with infected birds or poultry materials.

A statement signed by the Director of Information in the Ministry, Mr. Tony Ohaeri, said the symptoms of the disease include fever, sneezing, cough, diarrhoea, trouble breathing, general ill feeling, muscle aches, runny nose and sore throat, urging members of the public to observe personal hygiene, and wash their hands with soap and clean water after contact with birds and poultry product.

The Director General, Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Onallo Akpa, lamented that members of the association have suffered losses to the tune of N12 billion since the outbreak of bird flu in January 2015.