Yobe begins vaccination against anthrax in livestock

By Ahmed Abba

Yobe has started immunising cattle and other livestock against anthrax in four local government areas bordering Niger Republic.

These council areas include Machina, Yusufari, Yunusari, and Geidam.

Dr. Yusuf Maina, Director of Veterinary Services at the Yobe Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, stated on Friday in Damaturu that the exercise’s target animals included camels, cattle, sheep, and goats.

According to him, the immunisation was recommended by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Maina explained that the federal ministry encouraged all states with borders with neighbouring countries to take precautions to prevent anthrax outbreaks as cattle crossed borders.

At the vaccination’s start, he represented Dr. Abubakar Kolere, Permanent Secretary in the Yobe Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Bacillus anthracis, a gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium, causes anthrax. It is found in the soil naturally and regularly affects both domestic and wild animals.

NAN