The Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Bolu Owotomo, has announced the provision of 400,000 anthrax vaccines by the Federal Government to protect cattle from the zoonotic disease that threatens both livestock and human health.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony for the free Anthrax Vaccination and Enumeration of Herders at the Veterinary Hospital Complex in Ita-Eko, Abeokuta, Owotomo highlighted the importance of the vaccination campaign as a proactive measure to prevent outbreaks.
“The vaccination is essential to safeguard livestock health, prevent zoonotic disease spread, and ensure the well-being of communities dependent on farming,” Owotomo stated.
He emphasized the significance of registering herders, including those from neighboring states engaged in seasonal grazing, for better monitoring of livestock movement, prevention of transboundary animal diseases, and addressing smuggling issues that disrupt farming activities. Accurate data collection, Owotomo noted, would aid policy-making, resource distribution, and conflict resolution.
Dr. Taiwo Jolaoso, Director of Veterinary Services, explained that collaboration with herders became necessary following outbreaks linked to contaminated animal products. He added that the department is standardizing slaughter slabs, livestock markets, and farms while issuing licenses to reduce disease risks.
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Inter-Ethnic Affairs, Hadi Sanni, praised the initiative, describing Ogun State as the most peaceful in the Southwest due to effective interventions. He noted that herders welcomed the vaccination program as a step toward sustaining harmony.
Additional remarks by stakeholders, including Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps Chief Superintendent Muftau Apena and farmer Naomi Joye, highlighted the success of ongoing efforts to reduce farmers-herders conflicts in the state.
