Katsina Targets CBPP, FMD, and PPR to Strengthen Animal Health and Boost Economic Growth
The Executive Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Umaru Radda, launched the 2026 Annual Mass Livestock Vaccination Exercise aimed at preventing and controlling major infectious diseases affecting cattle, sheep, and goats across the state.
The flag-off ceremony, held at Shifdawa Fulani Village in Batagarawa Local Government Area, marked the commencement of a statewide campaign targeting Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP), Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), and Peste-des-Petits Ruminants (PPR).
In his address, Governor Radda described the initiative as a strategic intervention to safeguard animal health, improve livestock productivity, and protect public health, noting that livestock production remains a key pillar of the state’s economy.
He emphasized that vaccination remains one of the most effective preventive tools against outbreaks of infectious animal diseases.
"Katsina State has launched this year’s Annual Mass Livestock Vaccination Exercise against CBPP, FMD, and PPR. Vaccination is critical to preventing disease outbreaks and ensuring healthy, productive livestock," the Governor said.
The Governor further highlighted the state’s rich historical heritage in livestock production and trade, noting that animal husbandry has been a long-standing tradition in Katsina.
"Katsina is home to ancient traditions of livestock rearing, and historically, the renowned ‘Morocco leather’ traded across North Africa and Europe traces its origin to this region," he added.
He stressed that despite its importance to livelihoods, the livestock sector continues to face serious threats from disease outbreaks that reduce productivity and undermine food security.
"These diseases—CBPP, FMD, and PPR—remain major constraints to livestock development, causing high mortality, reduced productivity, and significant economic losses," he explained.
According to him, the vaccination campaign will cover all 361 wards across the 34 Local Government Areas of the state and will run for 18 days—comprising 12 days of house-to-house vaccination for PPR and 6 days for statewide CBPP and FMD coverage.
Governor Radda also noted Katsina’s strategic position as a livestock hub due to its proximity to the Niger Republic and the continuous movement of livestock through transhuman and cross-border trade.
"As a border state, Katsina hosts significant livestock movement from neighbouring countries and states, making this exercise both timely and essential for disease control and public safety," he stated.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening veterinary services, livestock development, and agricultural systems in line with global best practices.
The Governor commended stakeholders and development partners, including IOM, UNDP, and Co-group, for their continued support to the sector.
Governor Radda assured that his administration will continue to prioritize animal health, food security, and economic empowerment for the people of Katsina State.
"I remain committed to strengthening livestock health systems and promoting sustainable economic growth across the state," he added.
He also called on livestock farmers, herders, traditional rulers, security agencies, and other stakeholders to fully cooperate with vaccination teams to ensure the success of the exercise.
Earlier, Honourable Commissioner for Livestock Development, Prof Ahmed Bakori Mohammed, highlighted Katsina’s longstanding heritage in livestock production, noting that animal husbandry remains a way of life for many households across the state.
He reiterated the historical importance of the sector, recalling Katsina’s legacy in the production and international trade of the famous "Morocco leather," which gained recognition across North Africa and Europe.
The Commissioner warned that diseases such as CBPP, FMD, and PPR continue to threaten livestock productivity, food security, and public health, stressing the need for sustained and coordinated vaccination efforts.
He explained that vaccination remains one of the most effective preventive measures for controlling infectious diseases and improving livestock output.
According to him, the exercise will not only protect animals but also strengthen disease resistance, improve rural livelihoods, and enhance food security across the state.
He urged livestock owners, herders, and farmers to actively participate and sensitize others within their communities on the importance of the exercise.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Batagarawa Local Government Area, Yahaya Lawal, outlined ongoing efforts by the local government to strengthen peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.
He also appealed for the completion of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) housing units in Batagarawa and expedited delivery of ongoing housing projects.
The event was attended by the Chief of Staff, Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir, members of the Katsina State Executive Council, the Grand Khadi, local government chairmen, representatives of the Emirs of Katsina and Daura, and district heads.
Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State
22nd June, 2026
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