BY TIMOTHY AGBOR, OSOGBO
The Osun State Government has warned Muslim faithful in the state against buying of animals that are infected with the Avian Influenza virus for the 2021 Eid al-Adha festival.
The Ministry of Agriculture in the state disclosed that the bird infection has been discovered in no fewer than eight states of the federation.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security in Osun State, Adedayo Adewole, during a sensitisation programme held at the Veterinary Clinic, Station Road, Osogbo, on Wednesday, stressed the need for the people to be wary of the animals that they would buy as well as what they eat.
While educating the live bird marketers on the effects of Avian Influenza on livestock, Adewole urged the people to consider the hygiene of the animals that they want to kill in order to guide against diseases.
The commissioner warned that greater precautions should be taken during the festive period when animals would be brought for sale in the state from different parts of the country.
Adewole, who was represented at the event by the Director of Veterinary Services, Dr Abosede Olatokun, said humans could be infected with the Avian Influenza disease through the consumption of infect birds or animals.
He added that the disease could also be contracted through direct touching of animals or through the discharge of animals.
He listed symptoms of Avian Influenza to include cough, swallowing comb, diarrhoea, ready tightness, lack of appetite and death of animals.
