Ogun commissioner urges herders to protect livestock with anthrax vaccine
The Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Bolu Owotomo has revealed that 400,000 anthrax vaccines have been provided by the Federal Government to protect cattle from the dangerous zoonotic disease, which poses a risk not just to livestock but also to human health.
Owotomo stated that the vaccine is a crucial tool and proactive intervention aimed at protecting and preventing outbreaks that can jeopardise the well-being of livestock.
The commissioner made this known on Wednesday, 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.
He maintained 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 asserted that accurate data collection through this initiative would enhance effective policy-making, promote conflict resolution and facilitate equitable resource distribution.
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, to safeguard their livestock and create a healthier environment.
On his part, the Director, Department of Veterinary Services, Dr Taiwo Jolaoso stated that the decision to collaborate with herders was borne out of the outbreak linked to the 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 the standardisation of slaughter slabs, livestock markets and farms and the issuance of licenses as stamps of approval, to prevent animal disease.
Contributing, Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Inter-Ethnic Affairs, 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.
Meanwhile, the Chief Superintendent of the 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.
Ogun commissioner urges herders to protect livestock with anthrax vaccine
