Following the outbreak of suspected Hemorrhagic Septicemia in Sardauna Local Government Area of Taraba State, the Adamawa State Government has commenced surveillance and monitoring assessments along the Local Government Areas bordering Taraba. “Hemorrhagic Septicemia an animal disease generally believed to be responsible for the killing of over thousand of cows”. Disclosing this to newsmen in an interview in Yola, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Livestock and Aquaculture, Dr Aminu Suleiman Mohammed said, in light of the documented case in Gembu, the disease has spread to other Local Government Areas in Taraba State.
Sequel to the development, the Ministry promptly convened all Divisional Veterinary Officers (DVOs) to intensify their efforts and conduct thorough examinations to prevent the disease from entering Adamawa State. Dr Mohammed explained that “although the samples are still awaiting confirmation of the authenticity at the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) Laboratory in Vom, Plateau State”. The Permanent Secretary further reveals that, their counterparts in Taraba State have assured them that a large-scale vaccination campaign has commenced in the State.
Dr Aminu Mohammed, a veterinary doctor, described Hemorrhagic Septicemia as a bacterial disease that predominantly affects cattle, buffaloes, goats, and pigs, with symptoms including high fever, swelling (particularly in the neck area), depression, breathing difficulties, among others, often leading to the death of the animal within 24 hours. Furthermore, he disclosed that as part of the government’s initiatives and recognizing the substantial economic and social benefits of livestock, the Ministry has submitted a proposal to Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for the procurement of medications for mass vaccinations. He also urged the general public in Adamawa to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspected cases to the Ministry, veterinary clinics, or officials.
Despite Adamawa State sharing borders with Taraba State through Toungo, Ganye, Jada, Mayo Belwa, Demsa, Numan, and Lamurde Local Government Areas, Dr Aminu Suleiman Mohammed emphasized that the Ministry has expanded its surveillance to include Mubi North, South, Maiha, and indeed all twenty-one local government areas of the State..
