An outbreak of Hemorrhagic Septicaemia, a severe and deadly disease affecting animals, has resulted in the deaths of over 1,000 cows in Taraba State.
The disease, first detected in Gembu within the Sardauna Local Government Area, is now feared to have spread to parts of Gashaka Local Government Area, which borders the Toungo Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Over the weekend, Dr. Aminu Suleiman Mohammed, the Permanent Secretary of the Adamawa State Ministry of Livestock and Aquaculture, addressed the situation, emphasizing that the ministry has initiated state-wide surveillance to monitor and contain the spread of the disease.
Dr. Mohammed stated, “The Adamawa State Government has intensified surveillance and monitoring across local governments bordering Taraba State following the suspected outbreak of Hemorrhagic Septicaemia, which is believed to have caused the death of over 1,000 cows in Sardauna Local Government Area.”
He further explained that the disease, initially reported in Gembu, has potentially extended to other local government areas of Taraba State.
Consequently, the Ministry has directed all District Veterinary Officers (DVOs) to increase their vigilance and conduct thorough examinations to prevent the disease from crossing into Adamawa State.
While awaiting confirmation of the disease from the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) Laboratory in Vom, Plateau State, mass vaccination efforts are currently underway in Taraba State to curb the spread.
Hemorrhagic Septicaemia is a bacterial infection that primarily affects cattle, buffaloes, goats, and pigs.
The disease manifests through symptoms such as high fever, swelling (particularly in the neck), depression, and difficulty in breathing.
Dr. Mohammed highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that the disease can cause death within 24 hours of onset.
The Taraba community is now seeking intervention and assistance to manage and mitigate the devastating impact of this outbreak on their livestock.
