Adamawa intensifies surveillance after cattle disease outbreak in neighbouring Taraba

The government of Adamawa State has intensified surveillance against possible outbreak of hemorrhagic septicemia, a deadly cattle disease.

Hemorrhagic septicemia, a bacterial disease that mainly affects cattle and usually causes high mortality, is dreaded in Adamawa State which has a large population of cows.

After the outbreak of the suspected hemorrhagic septicemia in the Sardauna Local Government Area of Taraba State, the Adamawa State Government commenced surveillance and monitoring assessments, particularly along the seven LGAs bordering Taraba.

Disclosing this to newsmen in Yola, the Permanent Secretary of Adamawa State Ministry of Livestock and Aquaculture, Dr Aminu Mohammed, said in light of the documented case in the Sardauna LGA from where the disease has spread to other LGAs in Taraba State, the Adamawa State Ministry of Agriculture directed all divisional veterinary officers to intensify efforts in conducting thorough examinations to prevent the disease from entering the state.

Mohammed, a veterinary doctor, described hemorrhagic septicemia as a disease that predominantly affects not only cows but buffaloes, goats and pigs, with symptoms that includes high fever, swelling (particularly in the neck area), depression, breathing difficulties, among others, often leading to the death of affected animals within 24 hours.

He disclosed that recognizing the substantial economic and social benefits of livestock, his Ministry has submitted a proposal to Governor Ahmadu Fintiri for the procurement of medications for mass vaccinations.

He said although Adamawa State shares borders with Taraba in the seven LGAs of Toungo, Ganye, Jada, Mayo Belwa, Demsa, Numan, and Lamurde, his Ministry has expanded its surveillance to the other Adamawa LGAs of Mubi North, Mubi South, and Maiha.

He urged the general public to remain vigilant and to promptly report any suspected cases to the Ministry or veterinary clinics or officials.