Mass vaccination of livestock has begun in Gombe State

The annual livestock vaccination campaign for the 2025/2026 period has been launched in Gombe State. The event covers cattle, sheep, and goats, with the target diseases being contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, foot-and-mouth disease, and peste des petits ruminants. The campaign was kicked off by Deputy Governor Manassah Jatau in the Akko Local Government Area.

As Manassah Jatau noted, healthy livestock products ensure quality nutrition, increase farmers' incomes, and reduce the threat of zoonotic disease transmission. To support the sector, the state has established the Ministry of Animal Husbandry Development, renovated veterinary clinics, and built a diagnostic laboratory, a solar-powered cold chain, and training centers. In addition, the development of the 184-hectare Special Livestock Development Zone is underway, which will include an abattoir, a tannery, an international market, a veterinary hospital, poultry facilities, and an inland dry port. A special committee for resolving disputes between farmers and herders has also been formed to settle conflicts.

State Commissioner for Animal Husbandry Development Salisu Alkali reported that thanks to regular prevention, livestock mortality in the state has decreased from 28.1% in 2022 to 12.2% in 2025. Conducting the campaign during the harvesting period is particularly important due to the risk of infection introduction by migrating livestock from neighboring regions.

Dr. Abdulhamid Garba, State Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Animal Husbandry Development, urged livestock owners to actively present their animals for vaccination, promptly report suspected disease outbreaks, and purchase only approved veterinary products.