FAO warns Nigeria of possible infection

chika ebuzor

January 29, 2016 5:02 AM

The country rep said FAO together with other development partners would continue to support the federal and state governments in implementing control and containment measures against the disease.

Bird Flu(Picture used for illustrative purpose.)

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has warned Nigeria of a possible spread of Avian Influenza to its citizens if not contained as quickly as possible.

The Country Representation of FAO, Dr Louise Setshwaelo, issued the warning on Thursday in Abuja, while donating containment equipment to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

"The stakes are now high; the possibility of the disease becoming endemic in Nigeria is real and this is of great concern to us in FAO.

"Not only will this have a profound consequence on the country’s poultry industry, but also to the rest of the West African sub-region.

"So far, no human cases of bird flu has been have been reported in Nigeria minister.

"However, I would like to note that if the disease becomes endemic in Nigeria, there is a possibility of human cases emerging.

"I think this is an important message all of us in the poultry sector should take note of.’’

Setshwaelo said that since Jan. 2015, the materials that FAO donated to the ministry coupled with the financial support for laboratory diagnosis, control of outbreaks as well as strengthening surveillance and early detection, amounted to $600,000.

She urged the ministry to ensure effective use of the materials to wipe out the virus within the shortest time possible

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