Adamawa Increases Monitoring Of Hemorrhagic Septicemia Outbreak In Taraba

The Adamawa State Government has commenced surveillance and monitoring assessments along the Local Government Areas bordering Taraba following the outbreak of suspected Hemorrhagic Septicemia in Sardauna Local Government Area of Taraba State. This animal disease has reportedly caused the deaths of over a thousand cows.

Dr Aminu Suleiman Mohammed, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Livestock and Aquaculture, disclosed in an interview in Yola that the disease has spread to other Local Government Areas in Taraba State, subsequent to the documented case in Gembu.

In response to this development, the Ministry has promptly summoned all Divisional Veterinary Officers (DVOs) to intensify their efforts and conduct thorough examinations in order to prevent the disease from entering Adamawa State.

Although the samples are still awaiting confirmation of their authenticity at the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) Laboratory in Vom, Plateau State, Dr Mohammed clarified.

In addition, Dr Mohammed mentioned that their counterparts in Taraba State have assured them that a large-scale vaccination campaign has been launched in the State.

Dr Aminu Mohammed, a veterinary doctor, described Hemorrhagic Septicemia as a bacterial disease that primarily affects cattle, buffaloes, goats, and pigs. Its symptoms include high fever, swelling (particularly in the neck area), depression, breathing difficulties, among others, often resulting in the animal’s death within 24 hours.

Furthermore, as part of the government’s initiatives to promote the significant 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.

Dr Mohammed also urged the general public in Adamawa to maintain vigilance and promptly report any suspected cases to the Ministry, veterinary clinics, or officials.

Despite 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 all twenty-one local government areas of the State.