Katsina Begins Mass Livestock Vaccination Campaign as Radda Targets Disease Outbreaks

Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda has flagged off the 2026 Annual Mass Livestock Vaccination Exercise across the state, launching an ambitious campaign aimed at preventing and controlling major infectious diseases affecting cattle, sheep and goats.

The exercise, which commenced on Monday at Shifdawa Fulani Village in Batagarawa Local Government Area, will target livestock populations across all 361 wards in the state's 34 local government areas.

The statewide programme focuses on combating three major livestock diseases Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP), Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Peste-des-Petits Ruminants (PPR) which continue to threaten animal health and livestock productivity across the country.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, Governor Radda described the initiative as a strategic investment in animal health, agricultural development and public welfare.

According to him, livestock production remains a critical component of Katsina State’s economy, providing livelihoods for thousands of households and contributing significantly to food security and commerce.

“Vaccination remains one of the most effective and sustainable measures for preventing disease outbreaks and ensuring healthier and more productive livestock populations,” the governor said.

Radda noted that Katsina has a long and distinguished history in livestock production and trade, recalling the state's historical role in supplying animal products, including leather, to markets across North Africa and Europe.

He warned that diseases such as CBPP, FMD and PPR continue to pose serious challenges to livestock development by causing high mortality rates, reducing productivity and inflicting heavy economic losses on farmers and pastoralists.

The governor explained that the vaccination campaign would run for 18 days, comprising 12 days of house-to-house vaccination for sheep and goats and six days of statewide vaccination targeting cattle against CBPP and Foot and Mouth Disease.

He stressed that Katsina’s strategic location along Nigeria’s border with the Niger Republic makes disease surveillance and prevention particularly important due to the constant movement of animals through cross-border trade and seasonal transhumance activities.

According to him, the exercise is expected to strengthen disease control measures and reduce the risk of outbreaks that could affect both animal and public health.

Radda reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to modernising veterinary services and promoting sustainable livestock development in line with global best practices.

He also acknowledged the support of development partners, including the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Co-group, for their contributions toward strengthening livestock health interventions in the state.

The governor called on livestock owners, pastoral communities, traditional institutions, security agencies and other stakeholders to cooperate fully with vaccination teams to ensure the success of the exercise.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Ahmed Mohammed, said livestock farming remains a major source of livelihood for many families across Katsina and stressed the importance of sustained vaccination programmes in protecting animal health and improving rural incomes.

He noted that healthy livestock populations are essential to enhancing food security, supporting economic growth and strengthening the agricultural sector.

Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of Batagarawa Local Government Area, Yahaya Lawal, highlighted ongoing efforts by the council to promote peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.

He further appealed for the completion of housing projects for internally displaced persons in the area, noting that improved living conditions would contribute to stability and community development.

The vaccination exercise is expected to significantly reduce the prevalence of livestock diseases across Katsina State while strengthening the resilience of one of the region’s most important economic sectors.