There are reports of a new outbreak of the bird flu virus in Choba area of Rivers state.
Dr Nnanna Onyekwere, Director, Public Health in the state Ministry of Health, said that the state government had sent samples of stool of birds to the National Veterinary Institute, Jos, for bird flu test.
“The experts are closely monitoring the situation. The result of the test has not been received but we are on top of the situation,“ he said.
According to the Director, it will be difficult to know the number of birds affected until the result of the test is received.
Onyekwere said the report of the stool test would determine the next action to be taken by government on the affected farms.
He urged the people not to panic and should remain vigilant and report any suspected incident of bird flu to the government.
The News Agency of Nigeria says government had confirmed the discovery of the bird flu, after a thorough test was carried out on a bird which was showing signs in the state in January.