Bird flu hits Katsina

An outbreak of bird flu has been reported in two farms in Katsina State, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Adamu Manto Zango, has disclosed. Already, no fewer than five birds have died in the two farms.
Confirming the development to newsmen in Katsina, Zango said also that no fewer than 8,655 birds in the affected farms had been depopulated to curb the spread of the disease.
However, the commissioner said the state government had provided the ministry with enough facilities for the control of the outbreak.

Also speaking, Director of Veterinary Services in the state, Dr. Isah Abba, said the Federal Ministry of Agriculture was responsible for compensation of affected farms in the state.
Abba stated that about N1,400 per affected bird had been earmarked by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to protect farmers against any loss.
The veterinary doctor, therefore, appealed to the public to immediately report any case or sign of the disease to the nearest vet clinic or district head for prompt action.