The majority of states in Nigeria have been plagued with Avian Influenza Virus popularly known as bird flu.

More than one million birds were affected, with over 110, 000 crates destroyed, according to the figures published by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture on Friday.

About 28 states in the country including the Federal Capital Territory were affected by the outbreak of the virus. Over one million birds in the hard-hit states were depopulated, according to the report.

“To this end, government has activated rapid response measures in the states of Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina, Jigawa and Yobe,” it said.

Although farmers whose farms were affected by the outbreak risk heavy economic losses and a long-lasting impact on their livelihoods, the ministry said more N484 billion is needed to pay compensation.

The government is also looking at the possibility of adopting vaccination against the Avian Influenza virus.