Poultry association allays fears on bird flu

The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) and other stakeholders in the poultry industry yesterday dismissed fears over the recent re-emergence of avian influenza (bird flu) in some parts of the country.

PAN president, Dr Ayoola Oduntan, said at a news conference in Lagos that poultry products in the country remained safe.

“Presently, bird flu has been reported in Canada, US, United Kingdom, Mexico, India, Australia, Egypt, China and several other countries and it is being managed as a poultry disease. Bird flu has been confirmed in two farms but suspected in 11 farms in Nigeria.

“The disease has not been reported in commercial farms but in small backyard farms in rural areas. Indeed, out of the 120 million estimated poultry in Nigeria, only 2,500 birds which represents 0.0021 percent has been affected.

“With all these in mind, we call on all Nigerians to be rest assured that poultry products are safe and wholesome and we as an industry, along with the necessary government agencies, have absolute faith in the steps taken so far to contain the disease,” Oduntan said.

Meanwhile, a veterinary doctor, Dr. Festus Anifalaje, of the Ryss Poultry, has identified sensitisation of poultry farmers as a means of curtailing the disease.

Anifalaje who is also a member of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) said it is important for poultry farm owners to educate their staff on the best ways of handling birds and identifying symptoms of the disease.

According to him, part of the control measures is for farmers to restrict movement within poultries.

He added that poultry farmers should also improve their bio-security and prevent wild birds from entering their farms.