he Chairman of Kuje Area Council, FCT, Mr Abdullahi Sabo, on Tuesday launched mass vaccination for over 5,000 livestock to prevent the outbreak of diseases that could affect meat production and consumption in the area.
Speaking at the launching ceremony in Kuje, Sabo said the exercise was aimed at ensuring healthy animals in the area, assuring residents that he would put more effort into livestock development.
Represented by Vice Chairman of the Council, Mr Shame Kwasu, he assured the residents of quality meat production that will meet healthy and hygienic standards for consumption.
“The exercise speaks volume of the efforts of this administration to prevent livestock diseases and further transmission to humans.
“This administration also holds dearly to heart the agricultural sector, most especially as it relates to livestock farming, to ensure adequate production.
“I urge all nomads to ensure that your livestock’s are vaccinated as the treatment and vaccination of the animals is free of charge,” he said.
According to him, the council has concluded plans to rehabilitate existing abattoirs and slaughter slabs to ensure hygienic meat production in the area.
Dr Godwin Abbah, the Head, Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Kuje Area Council, said the vaccination was also aimed at ensuring that animals brought to the market are fit and healthy for consumption.
Abbah disclosed that the vaccination would cover over 5,000 cattle at various nomad settlements, adding that difficult terrains would be reached through motorcycles.
He said the department was committed to encourage livestock farming in the area and urged the farmers to desist from self treatment of their animals but to always consult a veterinary doctor.
Alhaji Adamu Usman, the Public Relations Officer of Miyeti Allah cattle breeders Association, Kuje branch, thanked the Council Chairman for the exercise and called on other FCT council chairmen to emulate him.