An outbreak of avian influenza was reported in Jaji, Igabi, Kaduna State, in a poultry layers commercial farm in which ostriches and geese were also kept.

Date of first confirmation of the event: 6 February 2006.

Date of start of the event: 10 January 2006.

Source of outbreak or origin of infection: unknown or inconclusive.

Treatment of affected animals: yes (birds were treated by owner with broadspectrum antibiotics before confirmation of infection).

Note by the OIE Animal Health Information Department: highly pathogenic avian influenza has never been reported before in Nigeria. A copy of test results received on 7 February 2006 from the OIE Reference Laboratory for avian influenza and Newcastle disease in Padova, Italy, confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza virus subtype H5N1.