The Ogun State Government on Wednesday secured over 400,000 doses of Anthrax vaccine for cattle to prevent them from dangerous zoonotic diseases.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Bolu Owotomo, made this known during a flag-off ceremony of free Anthrax Vaccination and Enumeration of Herders in Ogun.
The programme was organised by the Agriculture Ministry in conjunction with South-West Commodities Farmers’ Organisation (SCFO), at the Veterinary Hospital Complex, Ita-Eko, in Abeokuta.
Owotomo disclosed that over 400,000 anthrax vaccines were provided by the Federal Government, with the aim of addressing the health and productivity of livestock.
He added that the vaccine would protect cattle from the dangerous zoonotic disease, which posed a risk not just to livestock alone but also to human health.
“This mass vaccination campaign is a protective intervention aimed at preventing potential outbreaks that could jeopardise the wellbeing of our livestock, farmers and the general public.
“It also aims at improving productivity and boosting food security”.
The commissioner also pointed out that registration of herders, including those from the neighbouring state engaged in seasonal grazing, was vital for monitoring livestock movement.
He added that the registration of herders would prevent the spread of transboundary animal diseases as well as address issues of smuggling, which often introduced diseases and disrupted farming activities.
Owotomo maintained that accurate data collection through this initiative would enhance effective policy making, promote conflict resolution and facilitate equitable resources distribution.
He added 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, urging cattle owners and herders to cooperate with the vaccination team, in order to safeguard their livestock and create a healthier environment.
On his part, Dr Taiwo Jolaoso, Director, Department of Veterinary Services, 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.
He said the outbreak necessitated herders enumeration, regular training and prevention of illegal entry of pastoralists that could reduce herders-farmers conflict in the state.
Jolaoso added that the department embarked on standardisation of slaughter slabs, livestock market and farms as well as issuance of licenses, served as stamps of approval, towards preventing animal disease.
Contributing, the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Inter-Ethnic Affairs, Mr. Hadi Sanni, while appreciating the state government and other stakeholders for their massive intervention, described Ogun State as the most peaceful in South-West, noting that herders were elated with the vaccination initiative.
Speaking, the President of SCFO, Mr. Segun Dasaolu, commended the state government and herders for their cooperation.
He said 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 Area, Mrs. Naomi Joye, appreciated the government and other stakeholders for the interventions between farmers and herders conflict
They said that the intervention had reduced clashes to a large extent in the state.
Speaking on behalf of other participants, Kabiru Labar, the South-West Zonal Coordinator, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), commended the government for the free vaccination.
He described it as a helpful intervention that would protect both the cattle and human from zoonotic diseases
He added that it would go a long way in boosting their production and also help in making more profit in their livestock business. (NAN)
