From Odeh Ogaji, Jalingo
In its effort to maintain healthy livestock across the state, the Taraba State Governor, Dr. Kefas Agbo, has approved vaccination for all categories of livestock in the state to prevent possible outbreak of Anthrax disease.
Speaking during the flag off at the Divisional Veterinary Centre, Kpanti-Napu, Yorro Local Government Area of the state, the governor said it was a deliberate effort to ensure that all livestock are vaccinated to avoid Anthrax disease outbreak in the state.
Governor Agbu, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Professor Nicholas Oliver, said the approval for the vaccination of livestock was informed by the outbreak of Anthrax in Niger State.
The governor said approval for the vaccination of livestock was timely considering the fact that Taraba is among the northern states in Nigeria that produce the highest number of livestock within the region and country at large thus the need to be proactive.
Dr. Agbu said the vaccination will cover all animals that move on four legs even as he disclosed that the exercise will cover sixteen local government areas of the state.
The governor charged all Tarabans who are in the business of keeping livestock in their homes to key into the programme and also report suspicious cases to nearest veterinary centres.
He also assured that plans are in top gear to deploy veterinary personnel to various parts of the state.
Responding on behalf of livestock keepers, the Emir of Muri, Alhaji Isa Tafida expressed appreciation to Governor Agbu for his magnanimity to livestock keepers to avoid losses as well as consumption of unhealthy animals by human beings.
The Royal father further noted that this is one area most governments neglect and thanked the governor for the gesture while calling on animal keepers to adhere to government’s directive in their own interest.
