By Daniel Tyokua
The Federal Capital Territory Administration ( FCTA) has flagged off mass vaccination of cattle in territory against anthrax disease.
Speaking at the flag off ceremony in Paikon-Kore, Gwagwalada Area Council of the FCT, Monday, the Acting secretary Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Abubakar Sadeeq said the vaccination would prevent an outbreak of the disease as well ensure public health safety in the nation’s capital, Abuja.
Anthrax disease outbreak was recorded in a mixed livestock farm in Niger state some time in July, 2023.
Sadeeq said the Permanent Secretary FCT Administration, Mr Olusade Adesola had approved the purchase of large quantities of Anthrax vaccines which scientists have identified as most effective in preventing the disease.
The Acting secretary who is also the Director Administration and Finance in the secretariat, said over one million cattle are targeted for the vaccination, which will be carried out by FCT veterinary doctors in designated centres across the Six Area Councils.
“The FCT Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat has been directed to take the vaccination exercise to all the six Area Councils, and to ensure that our Veterinary Doctors who have already been mobilised reach the 62 wards in the FCT”
Sadeeq appealed for the co- operation of livestock owners particularly those who own cows, goats, horses and other animals that have been classified as potential carrier with the veterinary health workers, to ensure the success of the vaccination exercise.
He warned them not to sell or slaughter any animal suspected to have any of the symptoms, but report such cases to any of the FCT Veterinary Clinics.
“Our veterinary personnel have been put on alert in order to attend to any emergency cases, we will be working closely with the Health and Human Services Secretariat to attend to human cases involving livestock owners”he said.
The Director of Veterinary FCT Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Dr Regina Adulugba said anthrax disease outbreak was recorded in the country recently, and animals must be vaccinated against the disease.
“FCT Administration has given approval for the purchase of the vaccine, and all our personnel will be sent to the centres we have earmarked in the Six Area Councils for the vaccination”
