Taraba moves to contain livestock disease outbreak

Following an outbreak of livestock disease in some part of Taraba State, the state government has commenced treatment of livestock affected by the disease in Sardauna Local Government Area.

Speaking during the flag off ceremony in a cattle ranch in Gembu, the Commissioner of Agriculture and Food Security, Professor Nicholas Oliver Namessan said the exercise would mitigate the spread of the Hemorrhagic septicaemia disease that is affecting livestock.

The Commissioner who was represented by Director Veterinary Services of the Ministry said the first phase of the exercise was designed to treat affected animals before general vaccination of livestock in Sardauna Local Government Area.

He pledged the commitment of Governor Agbu Kefas to also cover neighbouring local government areas.

The Commissioner solicited for the support of all herders to maximally use the good intention of government by supporting the exercise.

In his remark, the Chairman, Sardauna Local Government Area, Mohammed Umar called on all headers in the area not to panic but to bring out their cattle for treatment.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Salihu Bodel, he thanked Governor Agbu Kefas for his quick intervention by providing drugs to treat the animals.

In an overview of the disease, Head of Taraba State Veterinary Services, Dr Gideon Ibrahim opined that the livestock disease haemoragic septicemia is mainly found on the high land mostly on the Mambilla Plateau which normally affects the heart,lung and other vital organs of animals.

He encouraged people on the plateau to also vaccinate their livestock annually.

On his part, Divisional Veterinary Officer of Sardauna Local Government Area Doctor Godwin Mangbon said the veterinary officers are fully ready for the exercise in line with the commitment of the Taraba State Government.

Other stakeholders in their goodwill messages appreciated Governor Agbu Kefas for his quick response of the out break and called on the people of Sardauna Local Government Area mostly headers to support the exercise.