In a bid to safeguard both livestock and public health, the Ogun State Government has initiated a large-scale vaccination program against anthrax.
Over 400,000 doses of the vaccine have been procured to inoculate cattle across the state.
The program, which was launched on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Bolu Owotomo, was organised by the Agriculture Ministry in collaboration with the South-West Commodities Farmers’ Organisation, and took place at the Veterinary Hospital Complex, Ita-Eko, in Abeokuta.
Owotomo explained that the vaccination program is crucial to protecting livestock from the deadly anthrax disease which poses a serious threat to both animals and humans.
He announced that the state government is also prioritizing herder registration as a tool for disease control and conflict prevention.
According to him, all herders in the state, and those from neighboring states who engage in seasonal grazing would be registered so that authorities can monitor livestock movement and prevent the spread of transboundary animal diseases.
Mr. Owotomo emphasized that the initiative’s focus on accurate data collection would support informed policy-making, aid in conflict resolution, and ensure fair resource allocation.
He noted that strengthening partnerships with herders would promote peace, security, and sustainable livestock farming, adding that the problem of clashes between Fulani herders and farmers had been successfully resolved.
In his remarks, the Director of Veterinary Services, Taiwo Jolaoso, stressed the role of herder registration in preventing outbreaks linked to contaminated animal products.
He called for proper herder enumeration, regular training, and measures to prevent illegal entry by pastoralists.