The Kano State Government said it had killed more than 120,000 birds since the outbreak of bird flu resurfaced in the state two weeks ago.
Dr. Shehu Bawa, the Director of Veterinary Services in the state Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Kano on Friday.
Bawa said the birds were killed in 29 infected poultry farms across the state.
He said: “As I am talking to you now, 29 farms were depopulated, while 11 samples have been sent to the National Veterinary Research Institute for confirmation.”
He said his Department in collaboration with the officials of the Poultry Farmers Association of Nigeria would continue to sensitise farmers to the need to ensure a clean environment.
Bawa called on farmers who had yet to register with the ministry and the association to do so “in their own interest”.
He said: “Any farmer who fails to abide by the order should have himself or herself to blame as he would not be considered for any compensation or support.”
The director, however, appealed to the Federal Government to assist the affected farmers in order to alleviate their sufferings.
NAN reports that the state government had last week released N3 million for the procurement of disinfectants to clean the affected farms.
NAN.
Bird flu: Kano kills 120,000 birds
