The vaccination exercise, flagged off on Saturday in Kaugama Local Government Area of Jigawa State, aims to immunize 3,105 domestic animals against pulmonary disease. The initiative follows reported cases of the disease in three communities in the area. According to Nasir Ibrahim, Head of Department, Agriculture and Natural Resource, Kaugama LGA, the council has procured vaccines and logistics to prevent future occurrences and spread of the disease.
The affected animals include 2,045 cows and 1,060 sheep and goats in Cumbuleske, Ganuwa, and Rigar Kwagga communities. Ibrahim explained that the disease is often caused by bacterial pneumonia secondary to viral infections, leading to difficulty in breathing and coughing in animals. He also noted that parasites such as lungworms and toxic environmental factors, including herbicide toxicity, can cause severe lung damage in livestock.
Ibrahim assured that the council will continue to monitor the situation and extend the vaccination to other communities if need be. The vaccination exercise is part of the council's effort to protect the livestock of pastoralists in the area, who rely on their animals as a source of livelihood. The initiative has been welcomed by the local community, with many beneficiaries expressing gratitude for the timely intervention.
Sha'aibu Adamu, Chairman of Kautal-Hore Association in the area, commended the council's effort, saying the LGA chairman took prompt action after receiving reports of the outbreak from herders. Adamu appreciated the council chairman for his quick response to save their livestock, which is their only source of livelihood.
Beneficiaries of the vaccination exercise have expressed relief and gratitude. Umaru Bello, one of the beneficiaries, said the intervention came at the right time, as many of their cows were coughing and struggling to breathe. Bello thanked the local government for bringing the vaccine to their community. Another beneficiary, Maigari Alto, noted that the exercise will reduce losses among pastoralists.
The vaccination exercise is a significant step towards preventing the spread of the disease and protecting the livelihoods of pastoralists in the area. The council's proactive approach has been praised by the local community, who rely heavily on their livestock for survival. The initiative is also expected to reduce the risk of the disease spreading to other areas.
The disease, which can be caused by various factors, including bacterial pneumonia and parasites, can have severe consequences for livestock if left unchecked. The vaccination exercise is a timely intervention that will help to safeguard the health of the animals and the livelihoods of the pastoralists. The council's effort to curb the spread of the disease has been commended by stakeholders.
Key points
- The vaccination exercise targets 3,105 domestic animals in three communities in Kaugama Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
- The disease has affected 2,045 cows and 1,060 sheep and goats in the area.
- The council has procured vaccines and logistics to prevent future occurrences and spread of the disease.
