By Talatu Maiwada
The Adamawa Government has culled over 70 cattle at the Jimeta Modern Abattoir following suspected cyanide or toxic grass poisoning.
Alhaji Salihu Idris, Commissioner for Livestock and Aquaculture Development, made this known during an inspection of the abattoir in Yola.
Idris said the affected cattle consumed poisonous grass in parts of Fufore Local Government Area (LGA) and neighbouring Cameroon, posing serious health risks to humans and other animals.
He said Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri ordered the immediate destruction of the cattle as a precautionary measure to protect residents from unsafe meat consumption.
According to him, most of the cattle were destroyed at the scene in Chambe Jouli and Ribadu areas of Fufore LGA.
“The government acted proactively to save human lives and prevent possible spread to other animals,” the commissioner said.
He commended ministry staff in Fufore and across the 21 LGA’s for their prompt response and vigilance.
Idris said the swift action had averted a possible public health emergency and saved hundreds of residents from consuming contaminated meat.
Dr Mohammed Suleiman, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, said surveillance had been intensified across all local government areas.
He said veterinary officers and other field staff had been directed to closely monitor livestock movement and report suspicious cases promptly.
Suleiman added that samples of the grass and soil had been sent to the National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, for laboratory analysis.
Dr Bartholomew Nyalas, Director of Veterinary Services, linked the suspected poisoning to wild sorghum sprouting after the first rainfall.
Nyalas explained that high concentration of the plant, when consumed in large quantities, could result in cyanide poisoning in cattle.
He urged members of the public to report suspected animal disease cases to the nearest veterinary office for immediate action.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
