Recent Bird Flu outbreaks in Nigeria - the facts you must know

 

1.  According to the words of the honorable minister of agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina: “We are currently not in a state of any epidemic, let Nigerians feel free to eat chicken and eggs” we have little reason to be worried about being infected by the bird flu virus presently.

2. The bird flu virus (H5N1) is spread when wild birds pass the virus along to birds such as chickens or ducks that are being raised for human consumption. While the wild birds do not seem to be affected by the virus, the livestock that contract the virus get very sick and many die.

3.Typically, avian or bird flu is not passed from birds to humans. However, in the past ten years, there have been hundreds of cases of bird flu in humans.

4. Most cases of bird flu virus (H5N1) infection are thought to have occurred as a result of direct or close contact with sick or infected poultry.

5. To prevent possible infection, avoid direct contact with poultry; also cook poultry and their products properly before consumption – to kill any bird flu virus, if present.