Director, Veterinary Services, Lagos State Agricultural Development Authority, Dr Ganiu Adams has revealed that over 79,134 birds worth over N85 million were lost to Avian Influenza ( Bird Flu) in the state.
Adams, who spoke at the Sensitisation/Awareness Workshop for Stakeholders on Preventive Measures against Avian Influenza, “Since the beginning of July, streams of reports of high mortalities of birds in various poultry farms across Lagos State have been pouring into the Avian Influenza desk office. So far, 20 farms in Lagos have been confirmed positive for bird flu infection following laboratory examination carried out by the National Veterinary Research Institute.
“The current scourge has led to the loss of 79,134 birds with an estimated worth of over N85 million. This excludes the stock of farmers who did not make official report to the state. To control the spread of the disease, the veterinary department depopulated 71,026 birds.”
He added that 20 farms have been confirmed positive for bird flu infection after laboratory examination by the National Veterinary Research Institute in Vom, Plateau State.