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The confirmed cases of avian influenza (bird flu) on poultry farms in Nigeria have extended from Kano and Lagos states to three more states – Ogun, Delta and Rivers state.

This was made known in a press statement signed by Akinwunmi Adesina, minister for agriculture. Adesina stated that Bird Flu is a disease primarily of poultry, but that human infection with the H5N1 virus is possible.

The minister explained that direct contact with infected poultry, or
surfaces and objects contaminated by their faeces, is presently considered the main route of human infection. He further stated that exposure could potentially occur during slaughter, de-feathering, butchering, and preparation of poultry for cooking.

Adesina however stated, “There is no evidence to suggest that the avian influenza virus can be transmitted through the consumption of poultry and poultry products, as long as standard precautions regarding food storage, handling and preparation are followed.”

He further stated, “It is safe to eat poultry products. However, consumers should ensure that poultry is thoroughly cooked, juice runs clear and no visible pink meat. Internal temperatures for whole chicken should reach 85°C, while for chicken parts the temperature should reach 74°C and eggs should be cooked until the yolk is no longer runny.”

The minister has called for full cooperation of all stakeholders in the poultry industry. He urged everyone to enhance hygienic practices  (bio-security measures) which include, but not limited to, regular disinfection, proper processing and cooking of poultry and poultry products and timely reporting of deaths of poultry and other bird species to veterinary authorities.

Read also: Tackling resurgence of bird flu in Nigeria

Ayoola Oduntan,  national president, Poultry Association of Nigeria stated in a telephone interview yesterday that in recent times, bird flu outbreak is being recorded not only  in Nigeria, but in USA, Canada, Holland, Mexico, India and so many other countries. Oduntan added, “Poultry farmers all over Nigeria are stepping up bio-security measures.

We have also had several meetings with the agric minister and his team and they have made a firm commitment to tackle the problem. We, the poultry farmers are also fully committed to combating the disease.”

In line with the agric ministry’s commitment, Adesina, Nigeria’s agric minister, also stated that the entire ministry’s veterinary staff have been deployed all across the country. The minister said he has directed nation-wide comprehensive surveillance, quarantine, depopulation and decontamination of all affected poultry farms and areas.

He also stated that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture is working closely with state governments, Poultry Association of Nigeria, Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association and Animal Science Association of Nigeria to put in place comprehensive measures to contain the spread of the Bird Flu.

Adesina explained that as at Wednesday January 21, this year, a total of 139,505 birds have been associated with bird flu exposures, with mortality of about 15 percent, that is 22,173 birds dead.

Speaking further, Adesina added, “We are not in a state of any epidemic. Five states have so far reported cases of the bird flu: Kano, Lagos, Ogun, Delta and Rivers States.

To date, 15 commercial farms and nine live bird markets have been affected in the five states.”