Concerns As Strange Disease Kills Over 1,000 Cows In Plateau

Over 1,000 cows have died in four days from a strange cattle disease ravaging the animals in three local government areas of Plateau State.

LEADERSHIP Friday gathered that the communities that are mostly affected by the strange disease are Mairana, a village near Barki Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu local government areas.

Others are Muwet and Nting in Bwai district of Mangu local government area. Similarly, it has impacted surrounding communities of Mangu district including Sabon Gari and Sabon Layi. Also groaning under the impact of the disease are Kombili, Washna and Jwakchom all in Panyam district of Mangu local government area.

It was learned that most of the places affected were occupied by rampaging Fulani herdsmen. One of the community leaders of the area Hon Solomon Dadar confirmed that efforts had been made to educate the people of the locality on the need to avoid coming into contact with such dead animals not to talk of consuming their meat.

This warning he said becomes imperative in view of the fact that some of the owners of the affected animals give them out at affordable prices so as to avoid colossal loses.

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One of the fleeing herdsmen Julde Mohammadu who volunteered information said even though he heard about the outbreak of the disease ravaging some places, his herds have not been affected.

On why they are taking their cattle away from Gode, another village that has been abandoned by the villagers because of the ceaseless attacks, Julde said prevention is better than cure.

Meanwhile, the state government has responded swiftly to the news of the alleged outbreak. The chief veterinary officer of the state, who is also the director of veterinary services in the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Sipak Shaset said on receipt of the information about the outbreak, epidemiologists from the Ministries of Agriculture, Heath and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development were mobilised to Mangu council.

According to him, samples of the affected animals were collected and sent to the National Veterinary Research Institute Vom for definitive laboratory confirmation of the nature of the disease which people suspect to be Anthrax.

 Dr Shaset said currently NVRI is working to establish the nature of the disease, adding that in no distant time the result will be out. He further explained that most animal disease, anthrax inclusive are zoonotic in nature, capable of affecting humans with dangerous repercussions.

The chief veterinary officer of the state cautioned the public against the patronage and consumption of beef that are not from recognised abattoirs, and official slaughtering slabs, urging them to eschew slaughtering such Animals at home.

Shaset also called on them to report any suspicious case to the epidemiological centre of the state for prompt action.