An outbreak of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, has been confirmed in Plateau State, resulting in the deaths of 300 birds at a farm in the Bassa Local Government Area.
Dr Shase’et Sipak, the state’s Chief Veterinary Officer, disclosed this on Wednesday in Jos, stating that the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom, confirmed the outbreak through laboratory tests.
“When we got wind of the suspected outbreak at Bassa, we immediately went there and took a sample that was later confirmed positive by the NVRI laboratory,” Sipak said.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the affected farm experienced a 100 percent morbidity rate, with over 280 birds dying from the disease before authorities depopulated the remaining stock.
However, to prevent further spread, officials sealed off the farm and implemented biosecurity measures.
Sipak urged poultry farmers in the state to enforce strict biosecurity protocols to safeguard their flocks.
Avian influenza is a highly contagious viral disease that poses risks to the poultry industry.
