The Taraba State Government has imposed an immediate ban on the movement of poultry and poultry products into and out of Ibi and Wukari Local Government Areas following the confirmation of an outbreak of Avian Influenza (bird flu) in the state.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Professor Nicholas Namessan, announced the measure over the weekend during a press briefing in Jalingo.Represented by the Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Francis Nathan, the commissioner said the decision was taken to curb the spread of the highly contagious virus, which poses significant risks to both birds and humans.

According to Namessan, the state government received reports on October 25, 2025, from field officers in Jubu village, Wukari LGA, about unusual deaths among bird populations. A rapid response team was immediately dispatched for inspection and sample collection.

?The samples were sent to the Avian Reference Laboratory for analysis, and on October 29, the results confirmed the presence of the highly pathogenic Avian Influenza virus,? he said.

Following the confirmation, the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria officially declared Taraba State positive for bird flu.?To prevent further spread, we have expanded our rapid response team and are engaging political, religious, and traditional leaders.

A total ban has been placed on the movement of poultry and poultry products from Jubu, Tapare, and Yamani areas. No birds will be allowed in or out of these locations,? Namessan stated.He also announced the closure of live bird markets in Doruwa, Bantaje, and Yamani, and urged residents to avoid handling or consuming sick birds due to the zoonotic nature of the virus, which can infect humans.

Namessan emphasized that the government?s swift action is aimed at containing the outbreak, protecting public health, and preventing the disease from spreading to other parts of the state.The ban, he added, applies to all species of birds, including chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, guinea fowl, and ostriches.

In a related development, the Northern Traditional Rulers Council (NTRC), led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa?ad Abubakar III, has declared support for the ongoing integrated Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign in Taraba State and across Nigeria.

Speaking at the official flag-off of the campaign in Taraba over the weekend, the Monarch of Ibi, Alhaji Abubakar Sahilu Danbawuro III, urged parents and caregivers to ensure their children receive the vaccine.

He reaffirmed the commitment of traditional rulers to the success of the exercise, describing it as a crucial step toward protecting children from preventable diseases. (THE GUARDIAN)

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