Mirian Gom 
TARABA, Nigeria – Taraba State Government has confirmed an outbreak of the Avian Influenza Virus, commonly known as Bird Flu, in the Jibu area of Wukari Local Government Area.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Professor Nicholas Namessan, announced this during a press briefing in Jalingo on Saturday, represented by the Director of Veterinary Services, Dr Francis Nathan, Namessan said the outbreak was detected after field officers reported unusual bird deaths in the affected area.
“We received a distress call from our field officers on Friday about birds dying in large numbers. Samples were taken and tested, and they came out positive for the highly pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus,” he said.
According to him, the state had activated an emergency rapid response team and imposed a ban on the movement of birds and poultry products within the Jibu, Kakari, and Yamini axis.
He added that live bird markets in Doruwa, Bantaje, and Yamini would also be shut temporarily to prevent further spread.
He warned that Bird Flu is a zoonotic disease capable of infecting humans, urging poultry farmers to strengthen farm hygiene protocols. “Residents should not panic.
The government is taking all necessary steps to contain the outbreak,” he said.
He advised those who have handled sick birds and now experience flu-like symptoms to report to the nearest hospital.
Namessan appealed to development partners for support, noting that no human infection has been recorded so far.
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Korede Abdullah