Nigerian parliament to probe bird flu resurgence

The Nigerian House of Representatives on Wednesday ordered an investigation into the recurring bird flu cases in some parts of the country.

The lower chamber has mandated a committee to ascertain measures be put in place to stem the spread and to report back to the House within six weeks for further legislative action.

Sergius Ogun, a parliament member who disclosed this, expressed concern that the resurgence of the disease had spread across 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

According to him, the spread has led to catastrophic loss of revenues by poultry farmers and the attendant risks to consumers of poultry products.

The lawmaker said if the reasons for the return of the disease were not investigated, the influenza may spread further.

At least 80,000 birds have been culled in 45 farms following an outbreak of avian influenza in Nigeria's Kano State in Jan. 2016.

Avian influenza can affect several species of food producing birds (chickens, turkeys, quails, guinea fowl), as well as pet birds and wild birds, with some strains of virus resulting in high mortality rates.

The virus has also been found to affect mammalian species including humans. The disease has a potential of causing great losses to the poultry industry and human lives. Enditem