Lagos State Government has confirmed the outbreak of Avian Influenza also known as Bird Flu in the state.
Mr. Gbolahan Lawal, commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperatives, said Friday that cases have been reported in Badore- Ajah axis of the state.
He spoke at a press briefing alongside Jide Idris, Health Commissioner, where he disclosed that a zoological park based in Victoria Garden City was currently on suspicion list and was being investigated following high mortality of wild birds.
Lawal said investigations revealed that the Bird Flu came into the state through birds transported from the North during the yuletide season.
He said some of the measures taken by the government to prevent spread of the disease include – active disease search by surveillance agents, bio security monitoring and sensitization in poultry farms and markets, disinfection of poultry markets, decontamination of affected farms and sensitization of poultry farmers and traders on insurance policy.
The official added that the ministry was collaborating with the state Ministry of Health, Lagos State chapter of Poultry Association of Nigeria on sensitization of members to complement government efforts.
“A team of eight technical staff, comprising representatives of the Federal Livestock Department, National Quarantine Service and the National veterinary Research Institute is currently in the state on disease assessment and surveillance”, he hinted.
Lawal, however, said emergency active disease search carried out in the last 48 hours had so far indicated no spread of the disease.
