By Nahum Sule, Jalingo
The Taraba State Government has sounded the alarm over an outbreak of the Avian Influenza Virus, popularly known as Bird Flu, in parts of Wukari Local Government Area.
Commissioner for Agriculture, Professor Nicholas Namessan, made the announcement during a press briefing in Jalingo on Saturday. Represented by the Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Francis Nathan, Namessan said proactive steps have been taken to prevent the virus from spreading to other parts of the state and to enhance public awareness.
According to him, the ministry received reports last Friday from field officers in Jibu area about unusual deaths of birds. A rapid response team was dispatched immediately, and laboratory tests later confirmed, on October 29, the presence of the highly pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus.
“With the permission of the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, I hereby declare Taraba State positive for the Avian Influenza Virus,” Namessan stated. He added that emergency teams have been deployed to Wukari to work with stakeholders, enforce movement restrictions on birds and poultry products, and suspend live bird markets within Jibu, Kakari, and Yamini areas, including Doruwa, Bantaje, and Yamini markets.
He further explained that Bird Flu is a zoonotic disease that can infect humans and cause high mortality, urging residents of the affected areas to avoid consuming poultry for now—or ensure it is thoroughly cooked before eating.
The Commissioner appealed for calm, assuring that the government is making every effort to contain the outbreak. He also advised farmers to strengthen biosecurity measures and urged residents to report sudden bird deaths to the nearest veterinary clinic.
“Anyone who has handled birds and is now experiencing flu-like symptoms should visit the nearest hospital immediately,” he added, calling on development partners to support containment efforts.
Namessan confirmed that, so far, there have been no human infections, but hospitals have been placed on alert as a precautionary measure.
