Gombe Launches Statewide Livestock Vaccination Drive to Prevent Animal Diseases

News in Brief:

— Gombe has launched a livestock vaccination campaign against major transboundary animal diseases that severely impact livestock health.

— The government aims to improve animal health, protect public health and strengthen livestock productivity in the state.

The Gombe State Government launched its 2025/2026 statewide livestock vaccination campaign against three major animal diseases, intensifying efforts to improve animal health, protect public health and expand the economic contribution of livestock production.

The campaign targets Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP), Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR).

Flagging off the exercise, Deputy Governor Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau, representing Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, said healthier livestock would support food safety, improve productivity and strengthen the livelihoods of people who depend on the subsector.

Gombe Expands Veterinary Infrastructure

The vaccination campaign is part of broader state interventions to strengthen veterinary services and develop the livestock value chain. According to the Deputy Governor, the government has established a Ministry of Livestock Development in line with the Federal Government's Renewed Hope Agenda. Veterinary clinics across the state have also been renovated and equipped.

Other interventions include a Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, a solar-powered cold-chain facility and livestock training centres. These facilities are intended to strengthen disease diagnosis, vaccine storage and veterinary capacity.

Jatau also said that work had commenced on a 184-hectare Special Livestock Development Zone to provide infrastructure for different stages of livestock production, processing and trade.

The planned facilities include an ultra-modern abattoir, a tannery, an international livestock market, a veterinary hospital, a poultry production unit and an inland dry port.

Peaceful Coexistence Remains Critical to Livestock Growth

The state government has linked livestock development to improved relations between farmers and herders, particularly in communities where agricultural and pastoral activities may compete for land and other resources.

Jatau said the administration had established a Farmers-Herders Resolution Committee to promote peaceful coexistence. Efforts were also underway to re-demarcate and mark cattle routes and grazing reserves.

He also urged herders to use designated cattle routes where available and avoid moving livestock along major roads, citing damage to road shoulders and the resulting maintenance costs.

Livestock owners and farmers were encouraged to cooperate with veterinary personnel throughout the vaccination exercise, stressing that disease control depended on coordinated action by government agencies, communities and animal owners.