Anthrax Vaccination Crucial For Protection of Livestock -Agric Commissioner
Anthrax vaccination is a crucial tool and proactive intervention aimed at protecting and preventing outbreaks that can jeopardise the well-being of livestock, farmers and general public, to fortify agricultural economy and create a healthier society.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo, made this known during a flag-off ceremony of free Anthrax Vaccination and Enumeration of Herders in the state, organised by the Ministry in conjunction with Southwest Commodities Farmers’ Organisation (SCFO), at the Veterinary Hospital Complex, Ita-Eko, Abeokuta.
Hon. Owotomo revealed that 400,000 anthrax vaccines provided by the Federal Government would protect cattle from the dangerous zoonotic disease, which poses a risk not just to livestock but also human health. It also aims at improving productivity and boosting food security. The commissioner pointed out that registration of herders, including those from the neighbouring state engaged in seasonal grazing, was vital for monitoring livestock movement, preventing the spread of transboundary animal diseases, as well as addressing issues of smuggling which often introduce diseases and disrupt farming activities.
Owootomo maintained that accurate data collection through this initiative would enhance effective policy making, promote conflict resolution and facilitate equitable resources distribution, adding that fostering collaboration with herders would engender peace, security and sustainable livestock farming practices in the state, as the issue of Fulani herders and farmers clash had become a thing of the past.
He appreciated the Federal Government and other stakeholders involved in the programme for their support, enjoining cattle owners and herders to cooperate with the vaccination team, in order to safeguard their livestock and create a healthier environment.
On his part, Director, Department of Veterinary Services, Dr.Taiwo Jolaoso stated that the decision to collaborate with herders was borne out of the outbreak linked to consumption of contaminated animal products brought to Nigeria by pastoralists, which necessitated herders’ enumeration, regular training and prevention of illegal entry of pastoralists that would reduce herders-farmers conflict in the state.
Jolaoso added that the department embarked on standardisation of slaughter slabs, livestock market and farms, issuance of licenses as stamps of approval, in order to prevent animal disease.
Contributing, Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Inter-Ethnic Affairs, Prince Hadi Sanni, while appreciating the state government and other stakeholders for their massive intervention, described Ogun State as the most peaceful in Southwest, noting that herders were elated with the vaccination initiative.
Speaking, President, SCFO, Prince Segun Dasaolu, commended the state government and herders for their cooperation, disclosing that the enumeration process would reduce criminals and criminality, as well as increase farmers productivity.
Giving their testimonies, Chief Superintendent of Corps, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Muftau Apena, and a farmer from Awowo, Ewekoro, Local Government, Mrs. Naomi Joye, said the state government and other stakeholders’ interventions in farmers and herders’ conflict had reduced clashes to a large extent in the state.
