Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, Nigeria's Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development had yesterday, Wednesday January 21, disclosed that the Avian Influenza recently reported in Kano and Lagos States, has now spread to five other States.

He confirmed that states like, Kano, Lagos, Ogun, Delta, Rivers, Edo and Plateau are now affected with the dreaded disease.

He also stated that 21 commercial farms, nine Live Bird Markets and one private zoo have been affected in the seven states.

“As at today January 21, 2015, a total of 140,390 birds have been associated with bird flu exposures, with 22,573 (16%) mortality recorded. The most affected state has been Kano State, where the initial case of the bird flu was found,” Akinwunmi said. “A total of 103,445 birds have reportedly been exposed to the infection in Kano State, with 15,963 (15%) mortality reported. These cases were found in Gwale, Kumbotso, Tofa, Gaya and Ungogo local governments,” he stated.

The Minister also added that the total number of birds under close watch in Lagos State is 31,195 and 3,347 (11%).

The three confirmed cases were from Somolu and Eti Osa local governments. “All the farms have been quarantined and decontaminated. Other locations in Ikorodu, Ojo and Lagos Mainland have already been quarantined, while awaiting confirmation,” he said. The Minister also said Sagamu in Ogun State, has reported two locations with one positive case (Ifo) and another negative case (Sabo). Of the 1,030 birds currently under watch in the two locations, 163 (15%) have experienced mortality, he said. “Other states with positive cases reported are Rivers, Delta, Edo and Plateau with figures ranging between 200 and 1,550 mortalities.” Akinwunmi said in all these states, different levels of interventions, including depopulation, decontamination and quarantine have been introduced, adding that his ministry was spearheading a rapid response system in close collaboration with the state governments' ministries of agriculture.

However, he assured that the Avian Influenza has been contained in Kano and Lagos states through the joint teams of Federal and states' staff in the areas.