Over 1,000 Cattle killed as FG and Taraba govt take action to control infection

In response to this outbreak, the state government, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, has notified neighboring states to take preventive measures against further spread.

Vaccination and treatment initiatives are currently underway in the impacted regions.

During a press conference in Jalingo, Dr. Nathan Francis, the Taraba State Director of Veterinary Services, highlighted the significance of this collaboration in controlling the outbreak and preventing its spread to the Republic of Cameroon and other nearby local government areas.

“The Mambilla Plateau has the highest concentration of livestock in Nigeria, with an estimated population of around 800,000 to one million,” Dr. Francis stated.

“We have procured antibiotics, and veterinary officers are actively administering them in the Mambilla Plateau. Furthermore, we have obtained hemorrhagic septicemia vaccines to launch a large-scale vaccination campaign, which will extend to neighboring local governments such as Gashaka, Kurmi, and parts of Takum.”

Dr. Francis also stated that:

“In the meantime, we have enforced a ban on the movement of animals to and from the Mambilla Plateau. However, we are encountering challenges, including shortages of medications and vaccines, cold chain facilities, and financial resources.”

“In addition to hemorrhagic septicemia, we are also addressing contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, resulting in a mixed infection situation.”

He however reassured the public, saying : “I want to reassure everyone that the situation is under control. This disease does not affect humans, and meat consumption is safe as long as it is cooked properly. Since the Sardauna Local Government Area borders the Republic of Cameroon, effective control measures necessitate collaboration with Cameroonian authorities using a ring vaccination strategy to manage the spread.”

The Federal Government’s National Rapid Response Team, led by Dr. Ajani Oyetunji, Deputy Director of the Department of Veterinary and Pest Control Services at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, has also been deployed to Taraba to assist in containing the outbreak. Dr. Oyetunji indicated that over 15,000 cattle are already affected.

Dr. Oyetunji explained that “The National Rapid Response Team was sent to Taraba under the directive of the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria. Our goal is to support the state’s response efforts, coordinate activities, and strengthen our response.”

“One of our strategies is to improve the surveillance system for early disease detection and to enhance case management to effectively treat affected animals. We are also educating farmers on how to prevent the disease from entering their farms.”

He further noted that:

“The Federal Government has bolstered the capabilities of veterinarians in Taraba, providing reporting tools, cold chain facilities, and essential veterinary supplies. This initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda to ensure food security and aims to enhance livestock production through effective animal health services nationwide.”

Governor Agbu Kefas, represented by his Special Adviser on Agriculture and Food Security, Zanau Maikasuwa, expressed the state’s proactive approach to controlling the outbreak and conveyed gratitude for the support from the Federal Government and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

“The state government understands that cattle farming is a vital source of livelihood for our residents, and we will not allow businesses to suffer due to disease outbreaks.”

“We are also seeking support to establish a diagnostic center in Taraba to facilitate the rapid identification and management of diseases affecting the state,” Maikasuwa added.