Bird flu returns to Lagos

There has been a resurgence of bird flu in Lagos state, as an estimated 60,000 birds reportedly affected.
Olugbenga Ogunsetan, the Executive Secretary of the Poultry Association of Nigeria, Lagos State chapter, revealed on Tuesday, that most of the poultry farms affected by the avian influenza are in Ikorodu.

“Over 60,000 birds were lost in August after the avian influenza ravaged the farms.
“This has largely affected production of poultry products and leading to price hike in the area.”
The state government, however, said it was working with the Federal Government to provide compensation to the affected poultry farmers.
Permanent Secretary of the state Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Olajide Basorun, said: “The Lagos state government, in collaboration with the Federal government, is already thinking of ways to support these farmers, whose poultry were affected by the scourge.
“Many economies have shut down because of this avian influenza and these economies have dependants, which mean a lot of people have lost their livelihoods.
“Government is mindful of that and is working out modalities to compensate the farmers so that others, who have the flu and have not reported or are under reporting, will be encouraged to come forward.”