Jigawa vaccinates over 3,000 livestock to curtail lung disease

The Kaugama Local Government Council in Jigawa State has commenced vaccination of 3,105 livestock following reported cases of pulmonary disease among animals in three communities.

The exercise targets 2,045 cows and 1,060 sheep and goats in Cumbuleske, Ganuwa and Rigar Kwagga communities.

The council’s Head of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Nasir Ibrahim, disclosed this on Saturday while flagging off the vaccination exercise.

Ibrahim said the intervention was launched after reports of the disease among livestock in the affected communities, adding that the exercise would be extended to other areas if necessary.

He said the council had procured vaccines and other logistics to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread.

According to him, pulmonary disease in livestock can be associated with bacterial pneumonia following viral infections, while lungworms and exposure to toxic substances, including some herbicides, could also cause severe lung damage.

The council official said veterinary personnel would continue monitoring the affected areas as the vaccination exercise progresses.

The Chairman of the Kautal-Hore Association in the area, Sha’aibu Adamu, commended the council for responding promptly after herders reported the outbreak.

He said the intervention was important to pastoralists who depend heavily on livestock for their livelihood.

One of the beneficiaries, Umaru Bello, said the vaccination came after several animals developed persistent coughing and breathing difficulties.

“Many of our cows were coughing and struggling to breathe; we thank the local government for bringing this vaccine to our community,” Bello said.

Another beneficiary, Maigari Alto, said some livestock had already been lost before the intervention, expressing hope that the vaccination would help protect the remaining animals.

“We have lost some animals before this exercise; this vaccination will help us protect the remaining ones,” he said.