Gert van der Hoek
In Memoriam - Editor, Senior Moderator
Nigeria: Bird Flu, a Problem in FCT - Zhin
29 October 2007
Ngozi Oduah
The executive chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, Hon. Danladi Etsu Zhin, has identified the gradual re-occurrence of avian influenza popularly known as bird flu as it has been noticed in some parts of the country especially in some area councils in FCT as a big problem which needs urgent attention.
Speaking at a three- day workshop, organised by UNICEF in collaboration with Kuje Area Council and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) recently at the council, Zhin said that having proper information and knowing the right thing to do is the first cure to any problem especially as it has to do with the bird flu disease.
The disease which is commonly found in birds and is said to be transferable to humans, Zhin said, came into the country few years ago as some parts of the country, including FCT has recorded incidences in both birds and human.
He, however, appreciated the prompt and decisive intervention of the federal government which he said, prevented further fatal occurrences.
Zhin commended the organisers of the workshop and implored them to ensure proper dissemination of all information available to the people.
His words: "If our people are adequately sensitised and educated about the handling of birds in homes and farms, cases of human incidences will be brought to check".
To the participants, he enjoined them to take advantage of the workshop and acquire all the knowledge and awareness about the disease and pass them on to their families and friends who were not opportuned to be at the workshop.
Earlier in his address, the director, FCT NOA, Mr Richard T. Torhee, disclosed that the situation of the disease has not changed from what it was last year.
He explained that the disease is a transmittable viral disease which has the ability to change form. "This means that bird to bird transmission can become bird to human transmission. This ability to change form, therefore makes it more dangerous to control", Torhee said.
He noted that the purpose of the workshop was based on the reported cases in Bwari, Kuje and AMAC area councils which he said, is worrisome in FCT and the government is set to abort the situation.
http://allafrica.com/stories/200710291127.html
29 October 2007
Ngozi Oduah
The executive chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, Hon. Danladi Etsu Zhin, has identified the gradual re-occurrence of avian influenza popularly known as bird flu as it has been noticed in some parts of the country especially in some area councils in FCT as a big problem which needs urgent attention.
Speaking at a three- day workshop, organised by UNICEF in collaboration with Kuje Area Council and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) recently at the council, Zhin said that having proper information and knowing the right thing to do is the first cure to any problem especially as it has to do with the bird flu disease.
The disease which is commonly found in birds and is said to be transferable to humans, Zhin said, came into the country few years ago as some parts of the country, including FCT has recorded incidences in both birds and human.
He, however, appreciated the prompt and decisive intervention of the federal government which he said, prevented further fatal occurrences.
Zhin commended the organisers of the workshop and implored them to ensure proper dissemination of all information available to the people.
His words: "If our people are adequately sensitised and educated about the handling of birds in homes and farms, cases of human incidences will be brought to check".
To the participants, he enjoined them to take advantage of the workshop and acquire all the knowledge and awareness about the disease and pass them on to their families and friends who were not opportuned to be at the workshop.
Earlier in his address, the director, FCT NOA, Mr Richard T. Torhee, disclosed that the situation of the disease has not changed from what it was last year.
He explained that the disease is a transmittable viral disease which has the ability to change form. "This means that bird to bird transmission can become bird to human transmission. This ability to change form, therefore makes it more dangerous to control", Torhee said.
He noted that the purpose of the workshop was based on the reported cases in Bwari, Kuje and AMAC area councils which he said, is worrisome in FCT and the government is set to abort the situation.
http://allafrica.com/stories/200710291127.html