The Abia state government has sent veterinary teams to all 17 local government areas to vaccinate farm animals against anthrax, a lethal bacterial zoonotic disease.

Dr Cliff Agbeze, Commissioner for Agriculture, confirmed this during the vaccination’s official launch at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture in Umudike, Umuahia.

Agbeze stated the campaign became necessary following a recent anthrax outbreak in cattle in Nasarawa, reported by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Abuja.

He explained Anthrax poses serious economic and public health risks, affecting animals and humans, with high rates of illness and death if not swiftly contained.

The commissioner said the vaccination campaign was Abia’s rapid response to prevent the spread of the dangerous disease within the state’s borders. 

“Gov. 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 urged livestock farmers to present their animals for free vaccination, which will take place between March 21 and April 3 across the state.

Dr Ijeoma Aguwa, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, represented Agbeze at the launch event held at the university premises.

Dean of Veterinary Medicine, Prof. Cosmas Ogbu, said the college is ready to support the ministry’s efforts through collaborative veterinary services.

He pledged the college’s support to extend veterinary care to remote areas, ensuring more livestock farmers benefit from the government’s intervention.

Ogbu said success depends on reaching rural communities, and he urged vaccinators to focus efforts on villages and target small ruminants like sheep and goats.

“Our goats and sheep in rural areas need this vaccination; do not limit it to cities, please reach the villages,” he emphasised.

He called for strong cooperation between vaccinators and the Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) to increase the campaign’s reach and impact.

Dr Martins Okojie, Director of Veterinary Services, praised the governor for approving the vaccine, which he termed as important to the state’s safety.

Okojie also thanked Vice Chancellor Professor Maduebibisi Iwe and the veterinary faculty for their invaluable contributions to the ministry’s efforts.

He congratulated the Ministry of Livestock Development and the National Centre for Disease Control in Abuja for their proactive efforts to contain anthrax and prevent its statewide spread.

Okojie advised vaccinators to take the practice seriously, underlining their critical role in preserving both cattle and public health. 

Source: NAAN