HARMATTAN POSES HEALTH RISKS TO LIVESTOCK

A Bauchi-based veterinarian, Dr. Shehu Zailani, has warned that the cold, dry conditions of the harmattan season pose serious threats to livestock health.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday, Dr. Zailani said the weather increases the risk of respiratory diseases, cold stress, and mortality, particularly among poultry and young animals.
He explained that dropping temperatures and dry, dusty winds disrupt conventional livestock management. Newly hatched chicks, for example, require adequate warmth during the first two weeks of life, a stage critical for proper growth and survival. Fluctuating cold temperatures make this challenging, exposing chicks to respiratory infections such as coughing, nasal discharge, and laboured breathing.
Dr. Zailani noted that small ruminants, including goats and sheep, are also affected. Prolonged exposure to extreme cold weakens their immune systems, making them vulnerable to infections like Peste des Petits Ruminants, which can cause sneezing, nasal discharge, weakness, and poor overall health.
He attributed the rise in disease cases to dry, dusty winds that reduce body moisture and create favourable conditions for infections.
The veterinarian advised livestock owners to provide warm, well-ventilated shelters and ensure animals have clean drinking water. He stressed the importance of routine vaccination during extreme weather and urged farmers to seek prompt veterinary attention for sick animals.
“Many cold-related livestock diseases are highly contagious and can lead to significant economic losses if not addressed early,” he said.