Authors : A. Yakubu, M.U. Liman and E.A.O. Laseinde
Abstract: Avian Influenza is currently the most important constraint to the productivity of village and urban chicken flocks. Before January 2006, there were no reported cases of Bird Flu in Nigeria. Nasarawa State falls within the guinea savannah zone of North Central Nigeria. It is predominantly an agricultural state with an estimated chicken population of 3,750,000. At present, it is one of the few states in the country with an outbreak of Avian Influenza. The first incidence was reported in February, 2006 at Garaku in Kokona local government area of the state. This led to the culling of 9,242 local fowls and those of mixed breeds, Birds were also of mixed ages. Some of the clinical signs observed included, severe depression, swollen head and face, discoloured and swollen legs, ruffled feathers, staggering gait, broken eggs, nasal and oral cavity discharges and sudden death. The confirmatory test involving 6 samples was carried out in Padova, Italy. Nasarawa State Action Committee on Avian Influenza which was already in place swung into action to avert the spread of the disease. No case of human infection has been reported.
Yakubu, A. , M.U. Liman and E.A.O. Laseinde , 2006. Occurrence of Avian Influenza in Chickens in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 5: 559-561.