Enugu govt. maps out strategies to combat bird flu

Enugu State Ministry of Agriculture has mapped strategies to check the spread of bird flu following the death of more than 130,000 birds estimated to cost N 150 million.

Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State

Dr Emmanuel Onyeka, Director of Veterinary Services in the ministry, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Enugu.

“Last week, we called a meeting of all executives of fowl sellers associations in this Enugu metropolis – including Garki Market, Ogbete (Market) here, New Artisan (Market), Akpakpa (Market) and I think about five of them to let them know the implication of people bringing sick birds to the markets, both for their own health and for the health of every other person in the market.

“It was a very fruitful meeting; there were decisions.

“The first decision we reached is that every Monday all life birds markets in Enugu metropolis must be cleaned and disinfected.

“Then, secondly, every market will set-up a monitoring team about two or three persons to work with the veterinary personnel (in that market).

“Any bird coming into the market they have to alert the vet if they notice anything because Avian Influenza doesn’t hide, once it is there, you see the birds dying in numbers.

“Thirdly, we have also discussed with them, they have to also help government to protect their business.

”So, they have to make budgetary provisions for purchase of sprayers and disinfectants. Which they also accepted.’’

The director also urged the residents to report any outbreak of bird flu in the near-by poultry farms and markets to the ministry or agric desk officers in the local councils.

NAN reports that there is shortage of birds in various markets owing to the outbreak of bird flu in last three weeks in the state.

Enugu State is one of the 23 states and the FCT that experienced the spread of bird flu since its resurgence in January, 2015, destroying nearly 2.3 million birds. (NAN)