An outbreak of Hemorrhagic Septicaemia, a severe animal disease, has reportedly led to the death of over 1,000 cows in Taraba State. The disease, which originated in Gembu within the Sardauna Local Government Area, is now feared to have spread to parts of Gashaka Local Government Area and could potentially reach Toungo Local Government Area in Adamawa State.
Dr. Aminu Suleiman Mohammed, Permanent Secretary of the Adamawa State Ministry of Livestock and Aquaculture, announced that the ministry has activated state-wide surveillance in response. All Divisional Veterinary Officers (DVOs) have been mobilized for proactive measures.
Dr. Mohammed stated, “The Adamawa State Government has intensified surveillance and monitoring across local governments bordering Taraba State due to the suspected outbreak of Hemorrhagic Septicaemia, which has reportedly killed over 1,000 cows in Sardauna Local Government Area.”
He added, “With the disease suspected to be spreading from Gembu to other areas within Taraba State, we have instructed all DVOs to increase their efforts and conduct thorough examinations to prevent its spread to Adamawa State.”
While awaiting confirmation from the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) Laboratory in Vom, Plateau State, mass vaccination efforts are underway in Taraba State. Hemorrhagic Septicaemia is a bacterial disease that primarily affects cattle, buffaloes, goats, and pigs. Symptoms include high fever, swelling (particularly in the neck), depression, and difficulty breathing. The disease can cause death within 24 hours of onset, according to Dr. Mohammed.
