The Cross River State government, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, has conducted a sero-surveillance exercise involving 600 livestock samples to strengthen disease control in the state.

Liyel Imoukhuede, special adviser to Gov Bassey Otu on livestock development, disclosed this in an interview in Calabar on Sunday.

Mr Imoukhuede said the exercise would provide scientific information on diseases circulating among livestock in the state and support evidence-based disease-control measures.

He also said the initiative was part of efforts to support the national objective of eradicating Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) by 2030.

According to him, animal health remains a central pillar of the state’s livestock development strategy.

He added that other government interventions include disease surveillance, vaccination, veterinary capacity building, treatment services, meat inspection, and farmer education on biosecurity.

The governor’s aide said the state’s livestock development programme also provided for campaigns against PPR, anthrax, and rabies, as well as targeted livestock surveillance and treatment inputs.

He noted that the state government was strengthening the capacity of veterinary officers and animal-health technicians to improve disease prevention and treatment.

Mr Imoukhuede said the Border Animal Holding and Quarantine Facility at Mfum-Ajassor would strengthen disease surveillance and control of livestock movement across the state’s international border.

“The facility will help improve animal traceability and contribute to safer cross-border livestock trade.

“Our objective is that animals entering the state, moving within the state and animal products reaching consumers are increasingly subject to proper veterinary oversight as well as health and safety standards,” he said.

(NAN)