Avian Influenza: 2,780 birds infected, Gombe yet to declare
Chima Azubuike, Gombe
No fewer than 2,780 birds have been reportedly infected by the Avian influenza in Gombe state, involving 3 farms.
However, the state is yet to declare the incident formally, as well as sign the Incident Action Plan by Ministry of Agriculture days after the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) made the pronouncements.
Investigations revealed that the Incident Action plan would give the state government ground to pursue compensation from the Federal Government.
Speaking in an interview with our correspondent, Director of Veterinary Services at the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Molta Idris explained that three farms were involved in the outbreak.
He revealed that the outbreak resulted from transportation of birds from affected states, adding that efforts were underway to embark on advocacy.
He said, “The few ones we were able to lay our hands on we had to destroy and bury them that was what we did for two farms. A particular farm before we could reach nothing was there it had all died. We have embarked on enlightenment to let the farmers know the flu exists and for those currently working in the farm that they should report if they feel ill health. This happened from the imported birds from affected areas, Plateau had been declared to have the flu before Gombe, there was an alert that Plateau, Bauchi and Kano were affected because people indiscriminately transporting birds from there. It about 2,780 birds that we discovered from three farms. I have written memo to the government we are still awaiting response.”
On his part, Commissioner for Agriculture, Muhammad Getado when contacted by our correspondent on the reason for the failure to declare the status of the state, he declined comment.
Getado said, “I’m not a specialist in this area; I have asked you to meet my director.”
