FG deploys 50,000 doses of Anthrax vaccines to Niger State
ABUJA — The Federal Government has deployed 50,000 doses of Anthrax vaccines to Niger State for vaccination of livestock to contain the spread of Anthrax.
The vaccination has commenced in Suleja by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Ernest Umakhihe, said that all livestock within 12 kilometres radius of the farm in Suleja where the disease was first diagnosed would be vaccinated.
Umakhihe who was represented by Deputy Director, Veterinary and Pests Control Services, Dr Abdulkareem Durosinlorun.
He said: “We have also placed restrictions of movement on animals within the farm where the outbreak occurred for the next 20 days from the date of the onset of the outbreak, this is to ensure that if these animals are infected, they do not infect other animals around them.
“The farm, its equipment and surroundings will also be thoroughly disinfected while the Ministry will also mount surveillance in slaughter slabs, abattoirs and livestock market around the farm and similar locations in the country to detect the disease early before it spreads.”
Umakhihe said all in-contact persons have been placed on prophylactic treatment and were being monitored closely.
The Emir of Suleja, Malam Auwal Ibrahim, lauded the prompt response of the government to the reported outbreak of the disease, and assured that they would support measures to prevent the spread of the disease.
The emir said there should be strong synergy between the State and Federal Governments including other stakeholders in the fight against Anthrax, adding that the emirate council would conduct door-to-door sensitization of his subjects on preventive measures.
The Head of Niger State Butchers Association, Jubril Mandalla, promised strict adherence to safety measures and support to check the diseases.
