The Federal Government on Tuesday, 25 July 2023, announced the commencement of free vaccination of cattle, sheep and goats against anthrax disease to prevent spread and ensure the safety of livestock in Niger state.
The vaccination was being done in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, as Anthrax is a transmitted disease, caused by a bacteria that affects both domestic and wild animals which can as well be transmitted to humans.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ernest Umakhihe, announced the commencement of the vaccination program during a sympathy visit to the Emir of Suleja in Niger State.
Meanwhile Anthrax was said to be found at a farm in suleja in Niger State and was announced by the FMARD.
According to the statement issued in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary announced the commencement of the free vaccination through the Deputy Director, Veterinary and Pests Control Services, Abdulkareem Durosinlorun.
It stated that to relieve the effect of the disease, the Federal Government deployed 50,000 doses of anthrax vaccines to the state for the commencement of mass vaccination of all livestock within a 12km radius of the farm where the disease was first diagnosed.
Also, restrictions of movement on animals have been placed within the farm where the outbreak occurred for the next 20days, beginning from the day of the outbreak.
Umakhihe also reveals that persons who came in contact with the diseases had been placed on prophylactic treatment and were being monitored closely
The highlights of the event included the vaccination of animals in Boyiwa, Kajanna and Acerbus farms in Tafa Local Government Area of Niger State.
