The Plateau Government plans to initiate a vaccination drive for 4.3 million cattle to combat the spread of anthrax within the state.

Dr. Sipak Shase, the Director of the Plateau State Ministry of Agriculture, conveyed this announcement to reporters in Jos.

The government has already acquired 200,000 vaccine doses for this purpose. Anthrax, caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis, primarily affects animals like cattle, sheep, and goats.

It can also be transmitted to humans through direct contact with infected animals or their products, such as meat, wool, or hides.

Dr. Shase assured that there are currently no reported cases of anthrax in the state, but vaccination is being undertaken as a precautionary measure.

The exercise will involve all 17 local government areas with the support of ad hoc staff.

Moreover, the state is providing guidance to butchers in abattoirs on personal hygiene and safety measures to prevent the disease’s transmission.

The butchers have appreciated the government’s proactive approach in averting potential outbreaks.