In the Kaugama area of Jigawa State, livestock animals are being vaccinated against pulmonary diseases

In Kaugama Local Government Area of Jigawa State, plans are underway to vaccinate 3,105 head of livestock to curb the spread of a dangerous pulmonary infection. The program was launched on Saturday. According to Nasir Ibrahim, Head of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources for Kaugama LGA, the measures will cover all affected communities. The decision to carry out the campaign was made after cases of the disease were recorded in three settlements — Kumbulesk, Ganuwa, and Rigar Kwagga. A total of 2,045 cows, as well as 1,060 sheep and goats, fell ill. To prevent further spread and recurrence of the disease, the council has procured vaccines and the necessary logistics, and will continue to monitor the situation with the possibility of expanding vaccination to other areas.

According to Nasir Ibrahim, the ailment is often caused by bacterial pneumonia developing secondarily against the background of viral infections, which causes coughing and breathing problems in livestock animals. In addition, severe lung damage in livestock animals can be triggered by parasites (lungworms) and environmental toxic factors, including exposure to herbicides.

Shaaibu Adamu, chairman of the Kautal-Hore association in the area, noted the prompt response of the council chairman following reports from herders. Local livestock farmers Umaru Bello and Maigari Alto confirmed the timeliness of the intervention: according to them, cows had experienced breathing problems and coughing, and some of the livestock animals were lost before the start of vaccination, which will now help protect the remaining livestock.