Panic as outbreak of animal disease kills over 1,000 cows

An outbreak of Hemorrhagic Septicaemia, a severe bacterial disease, has reportedly claimed the lives of over 1,000 cows in Taraba State.

The epidemic, which began in Gembu, Sardauna Local Government Area, has now spread to Gashaka Local Government Area, bordering Toungo Local Government Area in Adamawa State.

Dr. Aminu Suleiman Mohammed, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Livestock and Aquaculture in Adamawa State, spoke to SaharaReporters on Saturday.

He stated that the ministry has heightened surveillance and mobilized all Divisional Veterinary Officers (DVOs) to respond proactively to the outbreak.

“Following the outbreak of suspected Hemorrhagic Septicaemia, which has resulted in the death of over 1,000 cows in Sardauna Local Government Area, the Adamawa State Government has intensified monitoring and evaluation efforts across local governments bordering Taraba State,” Dr. Mohammed said.

He added that the Ministry of Livestock and Aquaculture immediately summoned all DVOs to increase their efforts and closely monitor the situation to prevent the disease from spreading into Adamawa State.

Although the confirmation of the disease is pending results from the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) Laboratory in Vom, Plateau State, mass vaccination efforts are already underway in Taraba State.

Hemorrhagic Septicaemia is a bacterial disease that primarily affects cattle, buffaloes, goats, and pigs. It is characterized by high fever, swelling (especially in the neck), depression, and difficulty in breathing. According to Dr. Mohammed, the disease can cause the death of an infected animal within 24 hours.