By Jimoh Babatunde

LAGOS — Despite reported cases of bird flu in five states of the federation, the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina has said Nigeria is not in a state of any epidemic.

A total of 139,505 birds have been associated with bird flu exposures, with 22,173 (15 per cent) mortality recorded since the incidence of bird flu (avian influenza) on some poultry farms in Nigeria was reported two weeks ago.

Speaking in Abuja, yesterday, Adesina said: “We are not in a state of any epidemic. Five states have so far reported cases of the bird flu: Kano, Lagos, Ogun, Delta and Rivers. To date, 15 commercial farms and 9 live bird markets have been affected in the five states.

“As at today, January 21, 2015, a total of 139,505 birds have been associated with bird flu exposures, with 22,173 (15 per cent) mortality recorded.”

He disclosed that the most affected state has been Kano, where the initial case of the bird flu was found, adding: “A total of 103,445 birds have reportedly been exposed to the infection in Kano State, with 15,963 (15 per cent) mortality reported. These cases were found in Gwale, Kumbotso, Tofa, Gaya and Ungogo local governments.“

He said, in Lagos State, the total number of birds under close watch is 31,195 and 3,347 (11 per cent) mortality has been reported.

He said the three confirmed cases were from Somolu and Eti Osa Local Government Areas, noting that all the farms have been quarantined and decontaminated.

“In Ogun State, Sagamu has reported two locations with one positive case (Ifo) and another negative case (Sabo). Of the 1,030 birds currently under watch in the two locations, 163 (15 per cent) have experienced mortality.

“Other states with positive cases reported are Rivers, Delta, Edo and Plateau with figures ranging between 200 and 1,550 mortalities.

“I wish to assure Nigerians that the recent reported cases of bird flu should not pose any real risk to humans. Research findings have confirmed that human infection with the  H5N1  virus, although possible, remains a rare event.”