Jigawa council launches vaccination drive for 3,105 livestock

The Kaugama Local Government Area of Jigawa State has begun a vaccination exercise targeting 3,105 livestock after reported cases of pulmonary disease in three communities, according to the council’s agriculture department. Nasir Ibrahim, the department’s head of agriculture and natural resources, said the campaign covered 2,045 cows and 1,060 sheep and goats. The animals are in Cumbuleske, Ganuwa and Rigar Kwagga, he said while speaking at the launch on Saturday.

Ibrahim said the exercise would be carried out across all affected communities in the local government area. He added that the council had bought vaccines and other supplies to prevent the disease from spreading and to reduce the risk of future outbreaks. He said pulmonary disease in livestock was often caused by bacterial pneumonia following viral infections.

Such infections can produce breathing difficulties and coughing, he said, while lungworms and toxic environmental factors, including herbicide toxicity, could also cause serious lung damage. The official said the council would continue monitoring the situation and extend vaccination to other communities if necessary. The source material did not identify the specific vaccine being used or give a timetable for completing the exercise.

Sha’aibu Adamu, chairman of the Kautal-Hore Association in the area, praised the council’s response. He said the local government chairman had acted quickly after herders reported the outbreak, describing livestock as their only source of livelihood. Beneficiaries also described the effect of the illness.

Umaru Bello said many of his cows had been coughing and struggling to breathe, while Maigari Alto said some animals had already been lost before the vaccination began. Both said the intervention could help protect the remaining livestock.