Segun Adeosun
Following the recent outbreak of Avian Influenza,commonly referred to as bird flu in some parts of the country, Akinwunmi Adesina, minister of Agriculture and Rural Development,has stressed that the outbreak has not in any way made Nigeria, a bird flu epidemic country,as the disease has only hit seven states in the country, namely, Kano, Lagos, Ogun, Delta, Rivers, Edo,and Plateau.
The minister said this in Abuja on Wednesday while addressing journalists. He revealed that a total of 140,390 birds have been associated with the H5N1 virus exposures, while 22,573 making 16 percent of the affected bird population have recorded mortality.
The affected birds were discovered in 21 commercial farms,9 live birds markets, and 1 private zoo have been identified across the affected states.
Adeshina said the most affected state has been Kano, where the initial state of bird flu was first recorded. The minister maintained that there is no evidence that the Avian Influenza can be transmitted through the consumption of poultry or poultry product as along precautions regarding food storage, handling and preparation are followed.
“It is therefore safe to eat poultry products,however consumers should ensure that poultry is thoroughly cooked,” the Minister said.
He added that proper steps are being taken to make sure the identified areas are put under control to curtail further spreading of the disease.
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