The Abia State government has launched an aggressive vaccination campaign against anthrax, deploying veterinary teams across all 17 local government areas to immunize farm animals against the deadly bacterial disease.
Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbeze, announced the initiative at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Umuahia, during the official launch of the campaign. He explained that the exercise became necessary following a recent anthrax outbreak in cattle in Nasarawa, as reported by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Abuja.
Agbeze highlighted that anthrax poses severe economic and public health risks, affecting both animals and humans and can cause widespread illness and death if not swiftly contained. He described the vaccination campaign as the state’s proactive measure to prevent the disease from spreading within its borders.
“Governor Alex Otti approved the mass vaccination of cattle, sheep, and goats to safeguard public health and ensure the state’s agricultural sector remains safe,” Agbeze stated. He urged livestock farmers to present their animals for the free vaccination exercise, which will run from March 21 to April 3 across the state.
Dr. Ijeoma Aguwa, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, represented Agbeze at the launch event, which was held within the university premises.
Dean of Veterinary Medicine, Prof. Cosmas Ogbu, assured the ministry of the college’s support, pledging collaborative veterinary services to aid the vaccination effort. He stressed the need to extend veterinary care to remote areas, ensuring that small-scale livestock farmers also benefit from the intervention.
“Our goats and sheep in rural areas need this vaccination; do not limit it to cities. Please reach the villages,” Ogbu emphasized. He called for stronger cooperation between the vaccinators and the Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) to maximize the campaign’s reach and impact.
Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Martins Okojie, expressed gratitude to the governor for approving the vaccination program, describing it as crucial for the state’s safety. He also appreciated Vice-Chancellor, Professor Maduebibisi Iwe, and the veterinary faculty for their support in facilitating the initiative.
Okojie commended the Ministry of Livestock Development and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Abuja, for their proactive efforts in containing anthrax outbreaks and preventing a nationwide spread. He urged vaccinators to take the exercise seriously, emphasizing the importance of their role in protecting livestock and public health.
(NAN)