A warning has been sent to all Kenyans following an outbreak of a deadly bird virus in Uganda.
Avian Influenza was found in a dead bird along the shores of Lake Victoria near Entebbe over the weekend.
In a press statement, the Veterinary Association of Kenya cautioned those living at the border to be vigilant and avoid coming into contact with or eating sick or dead birds.
The Association’s National Chairman Samuel Kahariri urged the public to report any cases to the nearest Health facility.
"Report any cases of sickness or death of humans to the nearest human health facility or to the Ministry of Health. The Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is commonly referred to as Avian Flu or Avian Influenza. This is the first time there is an outbreak in the region.
"HPAI affects humans, birds and animals. However, the species that are so far affected are white winged black tern birds and domestic ducks and chicken," the statement read in part.
Mr Kahariri urged the Government to put in place systems for detecting the deadly virus.
"The National Government must come in strongly and put in a strong animal disease surveillance system particularly in the hot spots," he said.
Avian flu is an infectious disease from birds and is caused by type A strains of the influenza virus. It can be transmitted to human beings, causing severe respiratory infections.
The flu has various symptoms which include: high fever, aching muscles, headache, severe sickness, non-productive cough and a sore throat within two to five days and up to 17 days of infection.
It can lead to pneumonia and in young ones, it affects mainly the nose, throat, bronchi and occasionally the lungs.
