Gombe Farmers Welcome Vaccination Campaign, Seek Wider Coverage

Livestock farmers and pastoralists in Gombe State have welcomed the government’s vaccination campaign, saying it will help protect their animals from diseases. However, some herders say the exercise has not yet reached their communities.

The 2025/2026 campaign, launched on October 7, targets major livestock diseases, including Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia, Foot and Mouth Disease, and Peste des Petits Ruminants.

Some farmers who have received the vaccines said the intervention would reduce animal deaths and financial losses. Muazu Mohammed, a livestock farmer in Tunfure, Akko Local Government Area, confirmed that his animals had been vaccinated.

However, herders in Billiri and Tudun Wada said they were yet to benefit. They called on the state government to extend the exercise to remote communities and improve access to veterinary services.

The state government says it is strengthening veterinary services through the establishment of a Ministry of Livestock Development and the renovation of veterinary clinics.

Farmers have called for regular vaccination and proper monitoring to ensure livestock owners across the state benefit from the programme.