The Kogi State Government has commenced a statewide vaccination campaign aimed at protecting cattle, sheep, and goats from disease, with an aim to secure livestock health and reinforce food security.
The campaign is set to benefit livestock across the state with a goal to administer 540,000 doses of the Anthrax Spore Vaccine,
During a stakeholders’ sensitization meeting in Lokoja on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Timothy Ojomah, announced that the mass vaccination exercise will officially begin on Monday, October 14, 2024. Ojomah expressed deep gratitude to Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo for fostering a supportive environment that places livestock health and food security at the forefront of state initiatives.
He further disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security had initially contributed 40,000 doses of the vaccine, while an additional 500,000 doses were donated by the National Coordination Office of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), in collaboration with the ministry.
“Anthrax is a highly dangerous bacterial disease capable of destroying livestock populations,” Ojomah explained, adding that the bacteria naturally reside in soil and can infect both domestic and wild animals. “Humans can also become infected through contact with affected animals or contaminated products, resulting in severe illness or even death. Vaccination is the most reliable way to curb outbreaks.”
The vaccination campaign seeks to reach as many livestock as possible, covering all three senatorial districts of Kogi State. Ojomah called on livestock farmers and herders to ensure that their animals are vaccinated to protect them from the devastating impact of the disease.
In his remarks, Kogi State Coordinator for L-PRES, Dr. Olufemi Bolarin, outlined the significance of livestock in the state’s rural economy, noting that approximately 30% of the rural population depends on livestock for their primary livelihood. He highlighted the essential role livestock play in providing affordable protein and ensuring food security for the population.
“The donation of these vaccines by Kogi L-PRES reaffirms our dedication to safeguarding livestock health,” Bolarin remarked. “This initiative is not only about protecting animals but also about securing food security, driving economic growth, and promoting public health. It is a collective effort, and I urge all stakeholders to seize this opportunity.”
Bolarin also encouraged farmers, herders, and all stakeholders to actively support the government’s efforts in strengthening the livestock sector, thereby ensuring a healthier and more resilient future for everyone involved.