The Rivers State Ministry of Agriculture has commenced a free anthrax vaccination campaign across all 23 local government areas to protect livestock and safeguard public health.
The campaign, running until February 17, was flagged off at the Livestock Demonstration Farms in Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, with farmers and veterinary experts participating.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara approved the initiative following recent anthrax outbreaks in Niger and Zamfara states. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security had earlier confirmed cases in a mixed livestock farm, raising concerns about potential spread.
A statement from the Ministry of Health emphasized that the campaign aligns with the governor’s policy on food security and food safety.
It warned that anthrax, a zoonotic disease, can spread through direct contact, contaminated meat, or inhalation of spores.
The state Commissioner for Agriculture, Victor Kil, urged livestock farmers to cooperate with veterinary doctors to ensure widespread vaccination and prevent an outbreak in Rivers State.
