FG Flags Off Free Vaccination Against Anthrax To Ensure Safety Of Livestock, Human

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe was represented by the Deputy Director Veterinary and Pests Control Services, Dr. Abdulkareem Durosinlorun who was at the Emir's palace with his team in sympathy over the unfortunate diagnosis of Anthrax disease in Niger State recently.

He noted that anthrax an infectious zoonosis disease, caused by bacteria affects both domestic and wild animals and can also affect human especially those working closely with infected animals. To mitigate the effect therefore, Federal Government has deployed 50,000 doses of Anthrax vaccines to the State for the commencement of mass vaccination of all livestock within 12kilometres radius of the farm where the disease was first diagnosed.

Dr. Umakhihe revealed that plans were underway to carry out a free anthrax vaccination campaign on other States.

In his words, "we have also placed restrictions of movement on animals within the farm where the outbreak occurred for the next 20 days from the date of the onset of the outbreakÔÇØ.

"This is to ensure that if these animals are infected, they do not infect other animals around them, the farm, its equipment and surroundings will also be thoroughly disinfected while the Ministry will also mount surveillance in slaughter slabs, abattoirs and livestock market around the farm and similar locations in the country to detect the disease early before it spreadÔÇØ, he added.

The Permanent Secretary therefore solicited for the cooperation of the people of the Emirate to enable the team (one health concept) carry out all necessary activities to put the outbreak under control, revealing that all in-contact persons have been placed on prophylactic treatment and are being monitored closely.

In his remarks, the Emir of Suleja, His Royal Highness, Mallam Muhammad Awwal commended the Federal Government for its prompt response noting that the outbreak of the disease in his domain came as a shock to him and his Council members; however, he stated their readiness to curtail the disease and have deployed some health workers to join the team.

He called for collaboration between the State Government and the Federal Government pointing out that without synergy among the stakeholders nothing can be achieved particularly concerning this kind of outbreak.

His Royal Highness, therefore pledged to sensitize his Council members on how to handle and prevent the disease.

While on advocacy visit to Suleja Abbatoir, the Head of Niger State Butchers Association, Alhaji Jubril Mandalla expressed his profound gratitude to the team for the visit. He pointed out that prior to the team's intervention, the Veterinary Doctor in charge had already sensitized them. Noting therefore that, they were aware of the disease and would ensure adherence to safety measures, promising to give all necessary support to ensure that the disease is curtailed.

Highlight of the event was the Vaccination of Animals in Boyiwa, Kajanna and Acerbus farms in Tafa Local Government Area of Niger State.

Also, the Permanent Secretary's representative led advocacy and sensitization visit to Suleja Abbatoir, Livestock Market, Primary Healthcare Centers and General Hospital, Suleja.

In attendance were Veterinarians from the Ministry, Niger State Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Nigeria Agriculture Quarantine Services, Officials of National Veterinary Research Institute, Staff of NCDC, Ministry of Environment and ECTAD-FAO, Niger State Butchers Association, among others.

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