An alarming outbreak of Hemorrhagic Septicaemia, a deadly bacterial disease, has killed over 1,000 cows in Taraba State, putting neighboring Adamawa State on high alert. The outbreak, originating in Gembu in Sardauna Local Government Area, has rapidly spread to parts of Gashaka Local Government Area, which borders Adamawa State’s Toungo Local Government Area to the south.
In response to the outbreak, Dr. Aminu Suleiman Mohammed, the Adamawa State Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Livestock and Aquaculture, stated that the ministry had activated a comprehensive surveillance system across the state. Speaking to our correspondent on Saturday, Dr. Mohammed emphasized the proactive measures being taken to prevent the spread of the disease into Adamawa State.
“Adamawa State Government has intensified surveillance and monitoring evaluation across local governments bordering Taraba State following the outbreak of suspected Hemorrhagic Septicaemia, which has led to the death of more than 1,000 cows in Sardauna Local Government Area,” Dr. Mohammed said.
“With the established record of the suspected case in Gembu, which has also extended to other local government areas of Taraba State, the Ministry immediately summoned all Divisional Veterinary Officers (DVOs) to double their efforts and conduct close examinations to stop the disease from spreading to Adamawa State.”
While awaiting the results of samples sent to the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) Laboratory in Vom, Plateau State for confirmation, Dr. Mohammed revealed that a mass vaccination campaign is already underway in Taraba State to curb the outbreak. Hemorrhagic Septicaemia, which primarily affects cattle, buffaloes, goats, and pigs, manifests through high fever, swelling (particularly in the neck), depression, and difficulty in breathing, and can cause death within 24 hours of infection.
The Adamawa State Government is committed to ensuring that the disease does not breach its borders, implementing rigorous measures to protect livestock and safeguard the livelihoods of its farmers and herders.
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