The Rivers State Ministry of Agriculture has concluded modalities to launch a statewide vaccination of livestock across the state on February 10 and end in February 17, 2025 following the recent outbreak of anthrax disease in Zamfara State.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Commissioner of Agriculture, Victor Kii.
According to him, the move is in line with Governor Siminalaiyi Fubara’s policy on food security and food safety in Rivers State.
Kii noted that the Governor has directed and approved the flag-off of a state wide vaccination campaign to prevent any case of Anthrax disease in the state.
In the statement , the commissioner made it known that the move is consequent upon the fact that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has recently confirmed an outbreak of Anthrax disease in a mixed livestock farm in Niger State and Zamfara State.
He said the State Ministry of Agriculture is to immediately implement the vaccination exercise of all livestock farms in the state and to enlighten the public about this development.
Kii said, “The Ministry of Agriculture therefore by this press statement notifying the general public that the twin goals of food safety and security is a shared responsibility and all livestock farmers in the state must collaborate with the veterinary doctors of the Ministry of Agriculture for the vaccination exercise.”
The Commissioner also stated that the ministry was working closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure the outbreak is prevented from the borders of Rivers State.
“The public, especially livestock farmers involved in the rearing and sale of sheep, goats, pigs, cows etc., are invited to take advantage of this vaccination by ensuring that the livestock on their farms are vaccinated with the anthrax Spores vaccines provided in all 23 local governments areas of Rivers State while also paying close attention to symptoms in animals which include high fever, weakness, bleeding from body openings and difficulty in breathing.
“The general public should exercise Caution when buying animals by:Observing livestock for signs of illness before slaughter. Avoiding contact with meat or animal by-products from sick or dead animals.
“Report any incidence of sudden death of animals to the Ministry of Agriculture and the veterinary department. While we enjoin all to exercise caution, we also request reporting of any suspected cases of Anthrax to the State Ministry of Agriculture.”
Anthrax disease is a transmittable disease that affects animals and humans, and spreads through direct contact, consumption of infected meat or products, or inhalation of spores.