By Yusuf Salihu Sansani, Jalingo
An outbreak of the Avian Influenza Virus (Bird Flu) has been confirmed in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Professor Nicholas Nemassen, disclosed this to journalists in Jalingo on Saturday, saying that proactive measures have already been taken to prevent the spread of the disease to other parts of the state and to ensure adequate public sensitization.
Represented by the Director of Veterinary Services in the Ministry, Dr. Francis Nathan, the Commissioner revealed that the Ministry received a distress call on Friday from field officers in Jibu area of Wukari, reporting massive bird deaths suspected to be linked to the virus. A team of experts was immediately dispatched to collect samples for laboratory testing.
“The samples tested positive for the Avian Influenza Virus on October 29, 2025. With the approval of the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, I hereby declare Taraba State as positive for Bird Flu,”
Nemassen stated.
He explained that following the confirmation, the Ministry promptly deployed Rapid Response Teams to Wukari for consultations with relevant stakeholders and imposed a ban on the movement of birds and poultry products in and out of Jibu, Kakari, and Yamini.
The Commissioner added that the ban would also extend to live bird markets in Gindin Doruwa, Bantaje, and Yamini to curb further spread.
“Bird Flu is a zoonotic disease that can infect humans with a high mortality rate. People in affected areas are strongly advised to suspend the consumption of birds of all kinds. If they must eat, they should cook it thoroughly, the African way,”
he warned.
Nemassen urged poultry farmers to intensify biosecurity measures and appealed to residents not to panic, assuring that the Ministry is taking every possible step to contain the situation.
“The public should promptly report sudden bird deaths to the nearest veterinary clinics. Anyone who has come in contact with birds and is now experiencing flu-like symptoms should report immediately to the nearest hospital for medical attention,”
he added.
The Commissioner further appealed to development partners to support the state in controlling the outbreak before it escalates.
“For now, there is no confirmed case of human infection, but we are not leaving anything to chance. All hospitals have been placed on alert,” Nemassen added.
