Thousands of birds worth millions of naira die from outbreak of Avian flu in Niger

The Niger Government has confirmed the outbreak of avian influenza (flu) in a cluster of poultry farms in the state, which killed thousands of chickens.

The Information Officer, Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Mr Abubakar Kuta, made this known to newsmen in a statement on Tuesday in Minna.

He said thousands of birds in the state, worth millions of naira, had been lost to the Avian flu. 

The statement advised poultry farmers to be vigilant and to report any incident of sudden high mortality of their birds to the ministry.

The statement further advised farmers to maintain strict farm hygiene practice, restrict movement of vehicles and people into their farms.

It also advised them to disinfect farm premises and utensils to check the transmission of the virus.

“Farmers should avoid the exchange of egg crates and other equipment from other farms,” the statement noted.

The Avian influenza refers to the disease caused by infection with avian (bird) influenza (flu) Type A viruses.

These viruses occur naturally among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species.

Avian flu viruses do not normally infect humans.

However, sporadic human infections with avian flu viruses have occurred.