East Nigeria experiences new bird flu outbreak
July 2nd, 2006
Nigerian state of Taraba records a new case of bird flu, as the virus breaks out in three local government areas, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria. One state official declared that infections have been found in Wukari, Ibi and Gassol provinces. The first case to appear in the state was reported in June and soon after representatives from the Federal Diagnosis Laboratory, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and the state Ministry of Agriculture met to decide on a plan of action.
A memorandum was then written to guide the Taraba state government on this issue and officials recognize the problem is of the utmost importance, but the state government seems to deviate its attention to other matters, which is worrying to say the least. A solution to combat the disease is urgently needed and the government of Nigeria is called upon to aid on the efforts. So far experts have been sent to the affected areas and are trying to control the situation. Nigeria is the most populous African country but so far no humans have been infected with the highly dangerous virus.