IN STARK CONTRAST to outbreaks in every other part of the world there have been no reports of resurgence or reoccurrence in West Africa, leading many to think H5N1 is now entrenched and probably endemic. Relatively little international help has been given to bird flu-stricken African countries. Most will have found it impossible to eradicate such an infectious and fast moving disease without considerable technical and financial assistance. The understandable reaction of their governments is to deny or ignore the problem, in spite of reports from poultry organisations, local veterinarians and African media that the disease is widespread in farms, backyard flocks and live/wet bird markets. Nigeria is a classic example where the disease was allowed tofester for weeks after its appearance in Kaduna in January 2006. Figures subsequently submitted by the Nigerian government to OIE (World Organisation for Animal Health) showed there were 60 outbreaks across 12 states and the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja) between 10 January and 23 March 2006 (Table 1), but just one (1 October 2007) reported since. And in spite of reports in the Nigerian media of widespread ongoing bird flu outbreaks now recorded in 25 out of 36 states including Abuja, and the first human case and fatality in 2007. The same reports say 1.3mn birds have died or been culled which is four times higher than the figure submitted to OIE by the Nigerian Federal Government.
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