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By Yusuf Salihu Sansani, Jalingo
Outbreak of Avian Influenza Virus (Bird Flu) has been reported in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The State Commissioner of Agriculture Professor Nicholas Namessan disclosed this to journalists in Jalingo on Saturday.
said measures are already in place to avoid the spread of the outbreak to other parts of the State and ensure adequate sensitisation to contain the situation.
Represented by the Director Vetirnay Services of the Ministry Dr. Francis Nathan, the Commissioner disclosed that last Friday the Ministry received distress call on the
the outbreak of the highly pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus commonly known as Bird Flu in Jibu area of Wukari Local Government from its field officers in the area about birds dying in large numbers which prompted the Ministry to quickly mobilised a team of experts to the area where samples were taken for testing.
“The samples was proved positive of the the disease on October 29th, 2025 and with the permission of the Chief Veterinary officer in Nigerian I hereby declare Taraba State as positive to the Avian Influenza Virus (Bird Flu)
He said responding to the results without hesitation, the Ministry mobilized teams of Rapid response units to Wukari for consultations with relevant stakeholders and impose a ban of movement of birds and poultry products in and out of Jibu, Kakari and Yamini.
The Commisioner stated that the ban will also be imposed on live birds markets in Gindin Doruwa, Bantaje and Yamini.
“The Bird flu is a zoonotic disease that can affect humans with serious mortality rate, I therefore advise people in the affected areas to suspend the consumption of birds of all kinds and If they must eat, they should cook it the African way,” the Commisioner warned.
Nemassen advised poultry farmers to intensify security and People not to panic as the ministry is doing everything possible to contain the situation.
“The public should report sudden death of birds to the nearest veterinary clinics, People who have come in contacts with birds and now experiencing Flu like symptoms should quickly report to the nearest hospital for immediate assistance”. Nemassen added.
The Commisioner also called on development partners to join hands and support the Ministry to contain the outbreak before it gets out of hand.
“For now, there has been no news of any human infection but we are not leaving anything to chance, that is why we have alerted the hospitals to also be on the lookout”.
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