Ahead of the 2021 Eid al-Adha festival, the Osun State Government has alerted residents against Avian Influenza virus through a sensitization program organised to fight the bird infection.

The disease, according to the Osun State Ministry of Agriculture, has already been discovered in eight states in Nigeria.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Adedayo Adewole, disclosed this during the sensitization programme held at the Veterinary Clinic, Station Road Osogbo, the state capital, to enlighten live bird marketers on the ravaging effect of Avian Influenza disease on livestock.

Adewole, represented by Dr Abosede Olatokun, Director of Veterinary Services, advised the citizenry to examine the kind of bird, goat and ram that they buy in the markets, while equally calling on market women to maintain proper hygiene to prevent the disease.

The commissioner warned the residents against the plague especially during the festive period when different kinds of animals would be brought to the state from neighbouring states for sale.

Adewole explained that Avian Influenza disease can affect birds, animals and even human beings through consumption.

She also identified some of the symptoms of Avian Influenza disease to include, among others, cough, swallowing comb, diarrhoea, ready tightness, lack of appetite and death of animals.

She further explained that human beings can also contract the disease by touching animals or the discharge from such animals.