Katsina Targets Livestock Diseases Across 361 Wards, Equips Seven Veterinary Clinics
Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar (Katsina Times)
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umar Radda, PhD, on Monday flagged off the 2026 Annual Mass Livestock Vaccination Exercise at Shibdawa Forest in Barawa Village, Batagarawa Local Government Area, reaffirming his administration's commitment to strengthening animal health, livestock productivity, food security and economic development.
The statewide exercise is designed to protect livestock against major transboundary animal diseases, including Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP), Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), and Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), which continue to pose significant threats to livestock production and pastoral livelihoods.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, Governor Radda described livestock production as a vital component of Katsina State's economy and cultural heritage.
According to him, Katsina has a long-standing tradition of livestock rearing dating back centuries and remains one of Nigeria's leading livestock-producing states.
"Katsina people have a rich history in animal husbandry. Historically, the famous Morocco leather that became a major commodity in North Africa and Europe has been traced to this region. Livestock production remains one of the most important sources of livelihood for our people," the governor said.
Governor Radda noted that vaccination remains one of the most effective tools for preventing the spread of infectious diseases, safeguarding animal health, increasing productivity and protecting public health.
He explained that the vaccination campaign would cover all wards and the 34 local government areas of the state, with veterinary teams conducting house-to-house vaccinations for sheep, goats and cattle over an 18-day period.
The governor emphasized that the campaign was particularly important given Katsina's strategic location along the international border with the Republic of Niger, which experiences substantial cross-border livestock movements and seasonal transhumance activities.
"Katsina receives a large influx of livestock from neighbouring countries and states. Therefore, protecting our animals against diseases is critical to sustaining trade, improving productivity and safeguarding livelihoods," he stated.
Governor Radda further disclosed that the exercise aligns with both national and international animal health regulations and forms part of his administration's broader livestock transformation agenda aimed at improving animal production, enhancing veterinary services and expanding access to domestic and international livestock markets.
He expressed appreciation to livestock farmers, traditional institutions, veterinary personnel, security agencies and development partners for their support.
The governor specifically acknowledged the contributions of organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other partners supporting livestock development initiatives in the state.
He called on livestock owners, herders and community leaders to cooperate fully with veterinary teams to ensure the success of the exercise across the state's 361 wards.
Commissioner Highlights Investments in Veterinary Infrastructure
Earlier, the Commissioner for Livestock and Animal Development, Hon. Ahmad Bakori Muhammad, described the vaccination campaign as a critical intervention aimed at preventing disease outbreaks, improving livestock productivity and strengthening food security.
He commended Governor Radda's administration for prioritizing livestock development and veterinary services, noting that the support provided by the government had made the exercise possible.
"Today, we are not only vaccinating animals; we are protecting livelihoods, enhancing food security and strengthening our economy," the commissioner said.
Bakori revealed that the state government had procured modern equipment for all seven zonal veterinary clinics across Katsina State as part of efforts to upgrade animal healthcare services.
According to him, the government has also recruited additional veterinary doctors and is implementing measures to improve security and operational efficiency at veterinary facilities throughout the state.
He urged livestock owners to take advantage of the free vaccination exercise and help create awareness within their communities about the importance of disease prevention.
Veterinary Equipment Commissioned
As part of the event, Governor Radda commissioned newly procured equipment for veterinary clinics across the state.
The equipment will be distributed to the seven zonal veterinary health centres established to strengthen animal healthcare delivery and disease surveillance in Katsina.
The event attracted a large gathering of government officials, traditional rulers and livestock stakeholders.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of Batagarawa Local Government Area, Yahaya Lawal Kawo, expressed appreciation to the state government for selecting the area to host the launch of the vaccination campaign.
Among the dignitaries present were representatives of the Emir of Katsina, the Emir of Daura, district heads, community leaders, local government chairmen, and leaders of pastoralist associations under the leadership of Alhaji Hassan Kuraye.
Also in attendance were the Chairmen of Rimi and Kusada Local Government Areas, senior government officials, veterinary professionals and livestock farmers from across the state.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment by stakeholders to collaborate with government in promoting animal health, increasing livestock productivity and strengthening the livestock economy of Katsina State.
Comments (0)
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!