US, Nigeria Partner against Bird Flu

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has partnered Nigeria in the health sector to combat the Avian Influenza, popularly known as bird flu, in Nigeria. Bird Flu is a viral disease that, largely, infects birds, but, rarely, infects human beings.
Speaking at the opening session of a training workshop for over 160 participants from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Health in Ibadan on Monday, United States Consul-General, Jeffery J. Hawkins, said that the training was part of his home country’s contribution against Bird Flu.
“I am encouraged to see you all here today. I know each person trained here represents a ripple effect of knowledge and power to stop the spread of this epidemic. So, this is the United States’ contribution to stop the spread of the flu”, he said.
Hawkins added that the poultry industry was important to the Nigerian economy and a great source of feeding, hence, “the U.S believes Nigeria can tackle the flu, like it did during the Ebola outbreak. “The poultry industry is important to Nigerians and Nigeria. We love our chicken dishes. Just as Nigeria tackled Ebola, it will control Bird Flu.”
He added, “The ability of Nigeria to quickly detect and respond to the Avian Influenza, will be enhanced by the partnership, platforms and knowledge built over the past decade.” In addition to the training, USAID and Nigeria promised to contribute personal protective equipment, surveillance gear and disinfectants to relevant authorities.
In 2007, there was one human case in Nigeria. However, with the break of the flu recently, there had been no known human case in Nigeria, so far.
Globally, the majority of cases of infection are associated with contact with infected live or dead poultry.