By Mubarak Aliyu kobi
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, has launched the 2025 Annual Livestock Vaccination Campaign in Itas-Gadau Local Government.
The campaign aims to vaccinate over 1 million heads of cattle, 500,000 sheep and goats, and 540 dogs across the state.
The governor emphasized the importance of the vaccination campaign, citing the recent outbreak of rabies in the state. Over 200 cases of dog bites were reported in some local government areas in 2024, resulting in the death of many people.
To combat the spread of rabies, the state government procured vaccines and distributed them to all veterinary clinics across the 20 local government areas. The governor urged dog owners to take their animals to the nearest veterinary hospital for vaccination at no cost.
The governor highlighted the crucial role of the veterinary sector in public health, disease prevention, and food security. He noted that the sector has played a vital role in controlling and managing diseases such as rabies.
To strengthen the veterinary sector, the state government has collaborated with the World Bank to establish the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project. The project aims to improve the productivity, commercialization, and resilience of livestock production systems in the state.
The state government has also established laboratory and cold chain facilities in 10 local government areas and has provided machineries for water provision to livestock. Additionally, over 100 veterinary officers and livestock extension agents have been trained on disease monitoring and investigation.
The governor commended the breeders association, professional bodies, and traditional rulers for their support and collaboration in promoting livestock production and disease control in the state. He urged local government chairmen, traditional rulers, and livestock producers to cooperate and provide maximum support for the success of the vaccination exercise.
The Emir of Katagum, Alhaji Umar Faruk, commended the governor for his foresight in developing the livestock sector. He urged authorities at the sub-state level, cattle breeders associations, and other key actors in the sector to complement the state government’s efforts towards safeguarding the state’s livestock.