国际英语新闻:Nigerian state declares red alert on bird flu

ABUJA, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) -- Nigeria's northwestern state of Kaduna on Friday declared red alert on possible outbreak and spread of bird flu.

The bird flu, also known as avian flu, is an influenza that spreads among birds and can affect humans.

The virus was detected on a small poultry farm in Chikun district of the northern Kaduna State two weeks ago, causing fears that there might be an outbreak soon.

Dahiru Abdullahi, an official in the state Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Development, told journalists the incident was reported to appropriate authorities in Nigeria and Bird Flu Desk of the World Bank for quick action.

"This is why we have declared a red alert," Abdullahi said, adding the affected farm had since been isolated to curtail the virus from spread.

According to the official, local poultry farmers have been sensitized and urged to report any sign of the virus on their farms to the authorities, among other measures being taken by the livestock department of the state.

Early this year, at least 80,000 birds were destroyed in 45 farms, following the outbreak of avian influenza in the neighboring Kano State.