By Sahel Reporters, Yola
The Adamawa State Ministry of Livestock and Agricultural Development, through its Rapid Response Team (RRT), has urged residents across the state to remain vigilant following a reported outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (bird flu) in Wukari, Taraba State.
Already, four local government areas of Adamawa – Toungo, Jada, Ganye, and Numan which share borders with Taraba, have been placed on high alert. The RRT has cautioned stakeholders and residents, especially those in border communities, to work collectively to prevent the spread of the deadly disease into the state.
Briefing journalists and stakeholders at the ministry, the Director of Veterinary Services (DVS), Dr. Nyalas Bartholomew, described the disease as highly contagious, noting that it can infect and kill both birds and humans.
Dr. Bartholomew disclosed that immediate preventive measures have already been activated through the ministry’s RRT by launching surveillance across all communities bordering Taraba State to block possible transmission routes.
He revealed that last year, about 242 cases of Avian Influenza were reported globally, with 54 percent of the recorded cases resulting in death.
“This year alone, from January to August, 26 cases have been recorded globally, and 11 people have died,” he stated.
The DVS therefore called on residents and stakeholders in the livestock industry to maintain strict hygiene, observe all precautionary measures, and promptly report any suspicious cases or symptoms to relevant authorities for immediate action.
In his remarks, the RRT Leader, Dr. Ige Tilo, urged the public to be vigilant about common signs of the disease, which include mass deaths of birds and bluish discoloration of the combs and legs of infected birds.
He strongly warned against cooking or consuming dead or infected birds, stressing that although the disease can be prevented, it cannot be treated once infection occurs, as no vaccine or specific treatment currently exists.
Dr. Tilo further disclosed that the RRT had swiftly swung into action immediately after the outbreak was reported. He assured that the team is actively sensitizing border communities, monitoring poultry farms, and conducting educational outreach to farmers and consumers to avert a possible outbreak in Adamawa State.
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