Abia State Begins 14-Day Anthrax Vaccination in 17 LGAs

The Abia State government has dispatched veterinary teams across all 17 local government areas to administer vaccinations to farm animals against anthrax, a highly lethal bacterial zoonotic disease.

Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbeze, announced this initiative during the official launch of the vaccination campaign at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Umuahia.

Source: Peoples Gazette

Agbeze explained that the campaign was prompted by a recent anthrax outbreak in cattle in Nasarawa, as reported by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development in Abuja. He emphasized that anthrax presents a severe threat to both public health and the economy, causing significant illness and fatalities if not swiftly controlled.

The commissioner described the mass vaccination as an urgent preventive measure to curb the spread of the disease within Abia. “Governor Alex Otti has approved the widespread vaccination of cattle, sheep, and goats to protect public health and sustain the state’s agricultural sector,” he stated.

He called on livestock farmers to take advantage of the free vaccination exercise, scheduled to run from March 21 to April 3 across the state. Dr. Ijeoma Aguwa, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, represented Agbeze at the launch event.

Prof. Cosmas Ogbu, Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, pledged the college’s support in assisting the ministry through collaborative veterinary services. He assured that veterinary care would extend to remote areas to ensure small-scale livestock farmers benefit.

Ogbu stressed the importance of targeting rural communities, urging vaccinators to prioritize villages and ensure that small ruminants like sheep and goats receive protection. “Our sheep and goats in rural areas need this vaccination; do not limit it to cities—please reach the villages,” he urged.

To maximize the campaign’s effectiveness, he called for strong coordination between vaccinators and the Agricultural Development Programme (ADP).

Dr. Martins Okojie, Director of Veterinary Services, expressed gratitude to Governor Otti for authorizing the vaccination drive, describing it as essential for the state’s biosecurity.

He also acknowledged the support of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Maduebibisi Iwe and the veterinary faculty in strengthening the ministry’s efforts. Additionally, he commended the Ministry of Livestock Development and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) for their proactive approach in containing anthrax and preventing its spread nationwide.

Okojie urged vaccinators to treat the exercise with utmost seriousness, emphasizing their crucial role in safeguarding both livestock and public health.