Bird Influenza Infection Episode Now in 7 Nigerian States

Avian influenza refers to infection of birds with avian influenza Type A viruses. These viruses occur naturally among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species. Wild aquatic birds can be infected with avian influenza A viruses in their intestines and respiratory tract, but usually do not get sick. However, avian influenza A viruses are very contagious among birds and some of these viruses can sicken and even kill certain domesticated bird species including chickens, ducks, and turkeys. Infected birds can shed avian influenza A viruses in their saliva, nasal secretions, and feces. Susceptible birds become infected when they have contact with the virus as it is shed by infected birds. They also can become infected through contact with surfaces that are contaminated with virus from infected birds. Avian influenza A viruses are classified into the following two categories: low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) A viruses, and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A viruses. The categories refer to molecular characteristics of a virus and the virus’ ability to cause disease and mortality in chickens in a laboratory setting[2.5 MB, 64 pages]. Infection of poultry with LPAI viruses may cause no disease or mild illness (such as ruffled feathers and a drop in egg production) and may not be detected. Infection of poultry with HPAI viruses can cause severe disease with high mortality. Both HPAI and LPAI viruses can spread rapidly through poultry flocks. However, some ducks can be infected without any signs of illness. Avian Influenza in Wild Birds Avian influenza A viruses have been isolated from more than 100 different species of wild birds. Most of these viruses have been LPAI viruses. The majority of the wild birds from which these viruses have been recovered represent gulls, terns and shorebirds or waterfowl such as ducks, geese and swans. These wild birds are often viewed as reservoirs (hosts) for avian influenza A viruses. Dr Gideon Mshelbwala, the Chief of Veterinary and Vermin Control Administrations, Government Service of Farming and Rustic Improvement raised the caution at a meeting with state Officials of Agribusiness in Abuja on Friday. As indicated by him, the seven states influenced by the flare-up to include: Bauchi Kaduna Kano Katsina Nasarawa Plateau FCT Kaduna Mshelbwala said that the route forward to the regulation of the infection was to boycott importation of poultry and items, isolate and bio-safety efforts, among others. He likewise cautioned poultry agriculturists against illicit immunization of winged creatures, saying that it was a dangerous contrasting option to the control of the illness.