SIX fresh confirmed cases of deadly avian influenza virus were announced Fridaday by Kano State Ministry of Agriculture.

Briefing Journalists commissioner for agriculture and natural resources in Kano, Alh. Nasir Yusuf Gawuna, posited that six cases of the bird flu were confirmed of the 10 reported cases in the state.

Gawuna revealed that the virus were discovered in some commercial farmers in four local government areas including Kumbotso, Gwale, Tofa and Mingibir, insisting the identification of the farms would not be disclosed for security reason.

The confirmation further authenticated Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development earlier detection of unusual high mortality of birds in two poultry farms and live bird markets in Kano.

The federal government said samples forwarded to the National Veterinary Research Institute tested positive for H5 strain of Avian Influenza Virus, otherwise known as bird flu, adding that confirmatory samples were sent to the International Reference Laboratory in Padova, Italy, for further characterization.

However, the commissioner stressed that affected locations are currently being depopulated while detoxification had commenced but was quick to warn owners of farms and markers to report suspected cases to the ministry for immediate action.

” We have notice action on the suspected cases few weeks ago and we have seen commenced all necessary effort to curtail further spread. Already we have depopulated the locations for effective management. We earlier have 10 reported cases but 6 is currently confirmed at various locations in 4 local government areas”. Alh. Gawuna revealed.

The commissioner said government has constituted committee of experts and professionals to work with the federal government team to map out strategy to curtail the spread.

He warned farmers against selling contaminated birds for their customers, posing danger to the society, urging them to rather report suspected case to government.

” We want to appeal on farmers to put fear of God in their minds and the danger of spreading this virus in the society. Farmers or sellers should please report any case or suspected case to government. Government would immediately move for necessary action i can assure you about that. Government is ready to compensate any farmers whose animals are confiscated due to this virus. Already our governor has directed immediate action and enabling environment to check the virus”. Gawuna assured.