Taraba Bans Poultry Movement as Bird Flu Outbreak Spreads to Communities

The Taraba State Government has announced an immediate ban on the movement of poultry and related products across parts of the State following a confirmed outbreak of avian influenza (bird flu) in some communities within Wukari Local Government Area.

The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Nicholas Namessan, who disclosed this through the Director of Veterinary Services, said laboratory tests conducted on samples collected from the Jibu Area of Wukari on October 29 confirmed the presence of the deadly bird flu virus.

Following the confirmation, the State Government has declared Taraba “positive for avian influenza” and moved swiftly to curb further spread of the disease.

“The Government has imposed an immediate restriction on the movement of birds and poultry products within and out of the affected Jibu, Kakari and Yamini axis in Wukari. Live bird markets in Doruwa, Bantaje and Yamini have been closed until further notice,” the statement read.

Rapid Response in Motion
Veterinary and health officials have been deployed to the affected areas to monitor and contain the situation. The State’s rapid response team has also been activated to carry out surveillance, disinfection and public sensitisation.

Hospitals and Clinics across Wukari have been placed on alert to watch for individuals exhibiting flu-like symptoms, especially those who may have had contact with birds.

The Commissioner further urged poultry farmers to strengthen biosecurity measures on their farms, promptly report sudden bird deaths, and avoid moving or selling potentially infected birds.

“We are appealing to farmers not to panic but to cooperate with Veterinary Officers and adhere strictly to safety guidelines. Early reporting will help us contain the spread,” Namessan added.

Economic and Health Concerns
The outbreak has sparked concern among poultry farmers and residents, as Taraba’s poultry industry provides a major source of food and income for many rural households.

Experts warn that uncontrolled spread of the avian influenza could cause massive losses to farmers, affect egg and meat supplies, and increase prices in local markets. Beyond the economic toll, public health officials have reminded citizens that bird flu is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can spread from birds to humans through direct contact with infected poultry or contaminated environments.

Government’s Advisory
The Ministry of Agriculture has urged residents to:
– Avoid buying live birds from the affected Areas.
– Cook all poultry products thoroughly before consumption.
– Report unusual deaths of birds to veterinary authorities immediately.
– Seek medical attention if flu-like symptoms occur after handling poultry.

Preventing Further Spread
The State Government said it is working closely with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, as well as neighbouring States, to prevent cross-border transmission of the virus.

Public health experts also recommend sustained surveillance, compensation for affected farmers, and continuous awareness campaigns to encourage early reporting.

For now, Taraba joins the growing list of Nigerian States that have recently confirmed outbreaks of avian influenza, raising fears of another wave of infections across the Country’s poultry belt.