Delta confirms an avian influenza outbreak, with 164,173 birds reported dead

The Delta State Government has confirmed that the state is experiencing an avian influenza outbreak, with 164, 173 birds reported dead.

Mr Julius Egbedi, the Commissioner for Agriculture, stated this to a reporter in Asaba on Wednesday.

”The government has taken steps to stop the disease from spreading.

”The flu has affected some poultry farms in seven local government areas across the state so far.

“We know it could be more than the reported figure of 164,173, but this is the official number from the reported cases.

“On June 22, we received a call from some poultry farms in Ughelli reporting a large number of birds dying.

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“We sent a team of veterinary experts to the farms to collect samples, which we then sent to the Veterinary Institute in Gwon, Jos for analysis.

“However, when the results were released, it confirmed a case of Avian Flu,” Egbedi said.

The affected farms are in the Sapele, Udu, Ughelli North, Ughelli South, Oshimili South, and Okpe LGAs, according to the commissioner.

”Following the disease’s confirmation, the State Ministry of Agriculture dispatched experts to disinfect the infected farms in order to help prevent the disease from spreading,” he explained.

Residents of the state should not be alarmed, according to Egbedi, who stated that the government is working around the clock to combat the disease.

“We want the general public and all poultry farmers to know that the government is on top of things. There’s no need to be concerned.

“We also want to use this medium to reach out to poultry farmers across the state, encouraging them to report any bird deaths to the ministry.

“The state government recognizes its responsibility and will take all necessary steps to safeguard the poultry industry, which is a vital part of our agriculture economy,” Egbedi said.