The Agricultural and Rural Development Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) began mass vaccination of cattle on Monday to curb the spread of Anthrax in the FCT.
The acting Secretary of the Secretariat, Alhaji Ishaq Sadeeq, inaugurated the exercise in Patkon Kore Grazing Reserve, Gwagwalada Area Council, Abuja.
He explained that the mass vaccination exercise targets at least one million cattle across the six Area Councils of the FCT.
Sadeeq stated that the move became necessary following the confirmation of the disease in Suleja, Niger, one of the neighbouring states of the federal capital.
He expressed gratitude to the Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Mr Olusade Adesola, for approving the purchase of one million doses of the vaccine, which scientists have identified as the most effective way of preventing the disease.
He further mentioned that the vaccination exercise, lasting for four weeks, would be carried out simultaneously across the 62 wards of the six Area Councils of the FCT. The exercise is part of the FCT Administration’s proactive measures and readiness to combat the disease.
“The FCT Administration had since the announcement of the outbreak in Ghana earlier this year, carried out a series of outreach campaigns to sensitise residents, particularly livestock owners and butchers, about the Anthrax disease.
The sensitisation was to equip them with knowledge of signs and symptoms, as well as effective measures they can adopt to protect themselves and their animals from contracting and spreading the disease,” he said.
He appealed for the cooperation of livestock owners with the veterinary health workers to ensure the success of the exercise. He also advised livestock owners against selling or slaughtering any animal with visible symptoms and urged them to report suspected cases to any of the FCT Veterinary Clinics.
Dr Regina Adulugba, the Director of Veterinary Services, described Anthrax as a “fatal disease” to both animals and humans, which can be contracted through open wounds, airborne transmission, and from consuming infected animals. She emphasised the importance of vaccinating animals as the best protection against the disease.
Malam Yahaya Isa, Chairman of the Miyatti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), FCT Chapter, commended the FCTA for taking proactive steps.
He stated that the move would not only protect livestock against the disease but also save investments and human lives.
He assured that the Fulani herders’ community was fully prepared to comply with the vaccination arrangements and cooperate with officials throughout the exercise.
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