A fresh outbreak of Avian Influenza otherwise known as bird flu, has been recorded in the northcentral state of Plateau.

The state government on Friday, January 15, 2016, announced that the bird flu had so far affected six farms.

The statement signed by the state’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Doris Bitrus, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Jos showed that the cases of bird flu were reported to the ministry on January 8.

The statement read: “Six farms have been confirmed positive of the disease; the farms host a total of 10,000 birds.”

While allaying fears of a further spread of the virus, he informed that the state government had taken proactive measures to contain and control the disease as he also advised poultry farmers and live bird marketers to step up bio-safety and hygienic measures within and around their farms and markets.

Members of the public have also been asked to avoid the sale, slaughter and consumption of sick birds, and that chicken products should be properly cooked before consumption.

And that any disease suspected to be avian influenza should also be reported to the control project office of the Veterinary Hospital, Jos.

Source: Naij