An outbreak of the Avian Influenza Virus (Bird Flu) has been confirmed in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State, prompting urgent containment measures by the state government.
The confirmation was made by the Taraba State Commissioner for Agriculture, Prof. Nicholas Namessan, during a press briefing in Jalingo on Saturday.
Represented by the Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Francis Nathan, the Commissioner disclosed that the Ministry received a distress call from field officers in Jibu area of Wukari, reporting the sudden deaths of large numbers of birds suspected to have been infected with the deadly virus.
“Samples were collected and sent for testing, and on October 29, 2025, results confirmed the presence of the highly pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus in Taraba State,” he said.
Prof. Namessan stated that following confirmation of the outbreak, the Ministry immediately mobilized rapid response teams to the affected areas for containment and stakeholder sensitization.
He added that the state government had imposed an immediate ban on the movement of birds and poultry products in and out of Jibu, Kakari, and Yamini communities, while live bird markets in Gindin Doruwa, Bantaje, and Yamini have also been temporarily shut down.
“The Bird Flu is a zoonotic disease capable of infecting humans with a high mortality rate. I therefore urge residents in affected areas to suspend the consumption of birds of all kinds. If they must eat, they should ensure thorough cooking in the traditional African way,” the Commissioner warned.
He appealed to poultry farmers to strengthen biosecurity within their farms and assured the public that the Ministry was doing everything possible to contain the situation.
“We advise the public to report any sudden death of birds to the nearest veterinary clinic. People who have come in contact with birds and are now experiencing flu-like symptoms should immediately report to the nearest hospital,” Namessan added.
The Commissioner further called on development partners and health agencies to collaborate with the state government to curb the spread of the virus, emphasizing that no human infection had been reported so far.
“For now, there has been no case of human infection, but we are not leaving anything to chance. Hospitals across the state have been alerted to remain on standby,” he said.
The Taraba Ministry of Agriculture has assured residents that with collective vigilance, rapid response, and community cooperation, the outbreak can be effectively contained.
