Ekiti State Government has issued warning to poultry farmers and other stakeholders to take precautionary measures against the spread of Avian Influenza in the state.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security in the state, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade who gave the warning in Ado-Ekiti, described Avian Influenza as a zoonotic disease that can be transmitted from birds to man and vice versa.
Boluwade stressed that the highly infectious disease could have devasting effects on poultry, if not prevented.
He charged concerned stakeholders to increase biosecurity measures on their farms, especially now that suspected cases of the disease have been reported in some states in Nigeria.
The Commissioner further advised stakeholders to regularly clean and disinfect their clothings, foot wears and equipment, as well as vehicles used on the farms to prevent the spread of the influenza to Ekiti State.
Other precautionary measures to be taken by farmers and stakeholders according to the Commissioner include avoiding sharing equipment with other farms and reporting any signs of sickness or sudden deaths in flocks to the nearest veterinary offices with immediate effect.
Such reports are encouraged to be made at local government areas or at the Avian Influenza Control Project Desk Office at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in Ado-Ekiti.
