The Adamawa State government is ramping up surveillance and preparing a mass vaccination campaign in response to the suspected outbreak of haemorrhagic septicaemia, a disease believed to have caused the death of over 1,000 cows in neighboring Taraba State.
Suleiman Aminu, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Livestock and Aquaculture, shared the information with journalists on Saturday in Yola.
He stated that the disease has been suspected of killing more than 1,000 cows in the Sardauna Local Government Area (LGA) of Taraba, which shares a border with Adamawa.
“With confirmed cases in Gembu, Taraba, and its spread to other LGAs, the ministry has directed all divisional veterinary officers to intensify efforts and conduct thorough examinations to prevent the disease from reaching Adamawa,” Aminu said.
He added that while samples are still being tested at the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) Laboratory in Vom, Plateau State, Taraba State authorities have confirmed that a mass vaccination campaign will soon commence across the affected areas.
Aminu explained that the disease is bacterial and primarily affects cattle, buffaloes, goats, and pigs. Symptoms include high fever, swelling (especially around the neck), depression, difficulty in breathing, and can lead to death within 24 hours.
The ministry has already submitted a memo to Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, requesting approval for the purchase of drugs for the mass vaccination campaign.
Aminu urged Adamawa residents to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspected cases to the ministry, veterinary clinics, or relevant officials.
The affected LGAs in Taraba are close to several LGAs in Adamawa, including Toungo, Ganye, Jada, Mayo-Belwa, Demsa, Numan, and Lamurde.
