Following a suspected outbreak of hemorrhagic septicemia in Taraba State, the Adamawa State Government has ramped up its disease surveillance and control measures to protect its cattle population.
Hemorrhagic septicemia, a bacterial disease with a high mortality rate, poses a major threat to Adamawa State’s large cattle population. The disease, which affects cows, buffaloes, goats, and pigs, is characterized by symptoms such as high fever, neck swelling, depression, and breathing difficulties, often resulting in death within 24 hours.
In response to the outbreak in Sardauna Local Government Area (LGA) of Taraba State, Adamawa State has initiated comprehensive surveillance and monitoring, particularly in the seven LGAs bordering Taraba: Toungo, Ganye, Jada, Mayo Belwa, Demsa, Numan, and Lamurde.
Speaking with newsmen in Yola, the Permanent Secretary of Adamawa State Ministry of Livestock and Aquaculture, Dr. Aminu Mohammed, revealed that the Adamawa State Ministry of Agriculture has instructed all divisional veterinary officers to heighten surveillance and conduct rigorous checks to prevent the disease from crossing into Adamawa State.
According to Mohammed, who is also a veterinary doctor, hemorrhagic septicemia is a highly infectious disease that targets a range of livestock, including cows, buffaloes, goats, and pigs.
The disease manifests through a combination of distressing symptoms, such as extreme fever, pronounced swelling (especially around the neck), lethargy, and respiratory distress, ultimately claiming the lives of affected animals within 24 hours if left untreated.
Mohammed revealed that recognizing the economic and social importance of livestock, his Ministry has forwarded a proposal to Governor Ahmadu Fintiri to secure funding for the purchase of vaccines for a large-scale vaccination campaign.
He noted that, while Adamawa State shares a border with Taraba State across seven LGAs – Toungo, Ganye, Jada, Mayo Belwa, Demsa, Numan, and Lamurde – his Ministry has extended its surveillance efforts to additional LGAs, including Mubi North, Mubi South, and Maiha, to ensure a swift response to the potential outbreak.
The doctor urged residents to remain alert, stressing the need to promptly report any suspected cases of hemorrhagic septicemia to the Ministry, veterinary clinics, or animal health officials.