Bauchi, Jan. 13, 2026 (NAN) A Bauchi base veterinarian, Dr Shehu Zailani, says cold and dry conditions of the harmattan pose serious threats to livestock health.
He said cold and dry conditions increased incidence of respiratory diseases, cold stress and mortality, particularly in poultry and young animals.
Zailani said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Tuesday in Bauchi,
He said drop in temperature accompanied by dry, dusty winds posed serious challenges to animal health, similar to how extreme weather affects humans with respiratory conditions.
The veterinarian said the current weather pattern significantly disrupted conventional livestock management practices, with poultry production being one of the most affected.
Zailani said that newly hatched chicks require adequate warmth within their first two weeks of life through a process known as brooding, a critical stage for proper feeding, growth and survival.
He said that fluctuating and extremely cold temperatures made effective temperature regulation difficult for poultry farmers, and exposed them to disease outbreaks and mortality among young birds.
“If chicks are not kept warm enough, they become vulnerable to respiratory infections, which may manifest through symptoms such as coughing, nasal discharge, and laboured breathing,” he said.
According to Zailani, effects of severe cold weather extend beyond poultry, affecting small ruminants such as goats and sheep.
Zailani said prolonged exposure to extreme cold could weaken animals’ immune system, and made them susceptible to infections, including respiratory diseases and Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR).
“Infected animals often show signs such as sneezing, nasal discharge, weakness and general poor health.”
He attributed the rise in disease cases during the season to the dry and dusty winds, which reduced body moisture in animals and create favourable conditions for the spread of infectious diseases.
The expert advised livestock owners and herders to provide warm and well-ventilated shelters to help animals maintain stable body temperatures to mitigate the risks.
“It is important to ensure adequate and clean drinking water, proper hydration plays a crucial role in disease prevention.
“Many cold-related diseases are highly contagious and can result in serious economic losses if not addressed early,” he said.
While emphasising the need for routine livestock vaccination during periods of drastic weather changes, Zailani urged farmers to promptly seek veterinary attention for animals showing signs of illness. (NAN)
