The Rivers State Ministry of Agriculture will embark on a statewide vaccination of livestock in the State from the 10th of February to the 17th of February. This is a reaction to the recent outbreak of anthrax disease in Zamfara State.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Commissioner of Agriculture, Victor Kii, saying the move is in line with Governor Siminalaiyi Fubara’s policy on food security and safety in Rivers State.
He noted that the Governor directed and approved the flag-off of a State wide vaccination campaign to prevent any case of Anthrax disease in the state.
According to him the move is consequent on the recent confirmation by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security of the outbreak of Anthrax disease in livestock farms in Niger State and Zamfara State.
Kii said the State Ministry of Agriculture is to immediately implement the vaccination exercise of all livestock farms in the state and to enlighten the public about this development.
Anthrax is a zoonotic disease that affects animals and humans, and can be spread through direct contact, consumption of infected meat or products, or inhalation of spores.
“The Ministry of Agriculture therefore by this press statement notifying the general public that the twin goals of food safety and security is a shared
responsibility and all livestock farmers in the state must collaborate with the veterinary doctors of the Ministry of Agriculture for the vaccination exercise,” he said.
The Commissioner stated further that amongst other things, the ministry is working closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure the outbreak is prevented from the borders of Rivers State.
He said; “The public, especially livestock farmers involved in the rearing and sale of sheep, goats, pigs, cows etc., are invited to take advantage of this vaccination by ensuring that the livestock on their farms are vaccinated with the anthrax Spores vaccines provided in all 23 local governments areas of Rivers State while also paying close attention to symptoms in animals which include high fever, weakness, bleeding from body openings and difficulty in breathing.”
The commissioner has a word of advice for residents of Rivers too: “The general public should exercise Caution when buying animals by:Observing livestock for signs of illness before slaughter.
Avoiding contact with meat or animal by-products from sick or dead animals.
“Report any incidence of sudden death of animals to Ministry of Agriculture and the veterinary department.
While we enjoin all to exercise caution, we also request reporting of any suspected cases of Anthrax to the State Ministry of Agriculture.”
