Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed announced that the state government has released N44 million for the 2023 Annual Livestock Mass Vaccination Campaign, which will cover all 20 local government areas. He made the disclosure in a speech at the launch of the exercise held on Monday in Kangere, Bauchi LGA. Governor Mohammed emphasized that his administration has sustained the annual vaccination program since taking office because it is crucial for preventing animal disease outbreaks and ensuring that livestock production remains disease‑free and profitable.
“The annual vaccines provide immunity against major transboundary animal diseases (TADs) for one year, which is why we must vaccinate our animals each year,” the governor said. “For 2023, I approved the release of N44 million to the Ministry of Agriculture to conduct the vaccination campaign across the state.” As an improvement, the new Cattle Disease (CD‑12) vaccine has been added to the two vaccines normally administered—Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) and Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR). The CD‑12 vaccine will also be given to local chickens to prevent losses from Newcastle disease.
To date, the state has procured one million doses (10,000 vials) of CBPP vaccine for cattle, 500,000 doses (500 vials) of PPR vaccine for sheep and goats, and 400,000 doses (2,000 vials) of CD‑12 vaccine for poultry. These supplies are ready for administration to the three categories of animals across all 20 local government areas.
Governor Mohammed called on Ministry of Agriculture staff involved in the vaccination exercise to remain committed and ensure that every corner of the state is adequately covered. He urged livestock owners to cooperate by bringing their animals for vaccination. Highlighting the livestock subsector’s role in providing protein and economic empowerment, he pledged to strengthen veterinary services by constructing a modern veterinary specialist clinic on Ran Road in Bauchi metropolis. The contract has been awarded, the site handed over to the contractor, and mobilisation funds will be provided to commence work immediately.
Since last year, the state has also approved the employment of 40 veterinary medical students from Bauchi, who have already begun receiving monthly salaries. “We decided to sustain the Veterinary Medical Students Employment Scheme inherited from previous administrations despite limited funds, because the scheme is pivotal for producing wholesome animal products, creating jobs, generating wealth, and ensuring food security and safety,” the governor concluded.
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