Bird Flu: RSG Sues For Calm

Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, receiving an address from the President, Sorglues and Care Development Foundation, Mr. Kle Obomanu (middle), during a courtesy call in Government House, Port Harcourt, recently

With yet another out
break of birdflu in neigbouring states of Abia, Enugu and Bayelsa, the Rivers State government has called on residents of the state to remain calm over the news of fresh cases of birthflu.
The permanent secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Somieari .L. Isaac-Harry who made the call last Friday in Port Harcourt said the outbreak had been contained adding that the two farms in Aluu have been quarantined and depopulated.
Isaac-Harry revealed that sample birds had been sent to the National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Plateau State for testing stating however that the ministry is awaiting the result of the test for confirmation of the outbreak in the state.
The permanent secretary nevertheless urged poultry farmers to observe strict bio-security including proper kitting, movement restrictions within their farms, foot dip, proper sanitary conditions as well as the use of sanitized water to wash hands.
While assuring that there would be minimal chances of transfer from animal to human where these sanitary conditions are kept, Isaac-Harry further  advised the public to ensure the proper cook of their poultry products before consumption.
“While I call on those involved in the preparation of poultry products to take precautionary measures, let me assure that the ministry and indeed, the Department of Public Health is on top of the situation. I therefore urge everyone not to be  panicked over the situation,” he said.
It would be recalled that the Executive Director, National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Dr. Mohammed Ahmed had penultimate Sunday revealed that over 1.4 million birds were destroyed in an attempt to stamp out bird influenza that hit poultry farms early this year.
Ahmed who noted that 18 states were affected by the flu said “ the last case was reported on May 28, it started and stopped at a point, but now it has resumed.”

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