Olu Samuel, Lokoja

The Kogi State Government has launched a mass vaccination campaign for livestock, targeting cattle, sheep, and goats.

A total of 540,000 doses of the Anthrax Spore Vaccine aimed at protecting animals from the deadly disease.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ sensitization in Lokoja in Tuesday, Hon. Timothy Ojomah, the Kogi State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, announced the commencement of the vaccination exercise to begin Monday, 14 October 2024.

He expressed gratitude to the State Governor Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo for creating a conducive environment to promote livestock health in the state.

Hon. Ojomah disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), through its Department of Veterinary and Pest Control Services, had initially provided 40,000 doses of the Anthrax Spore Vaccine.

Additionally, the National Coordination Office of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) and the FMAFS donated additional 500,000 doses to the Kogi State Ministry of Agriculture.

He emphasized the critical nature of the vaccination campaign, noting that anthrax is a rare but serious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, a Gram-positive rod-shaped bacterium.

” The disease, which occurs naturally in the soil, primarily affects domestic and wild animals. Humans can contract anthrax through contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products, leading to severe illness and potentially death. Vaccination of susceptible animals remains the most effective preventive measure”. He noted.

“The vaccination campaign will cover all three senatorial districts in Kogi State and will include cattle, sheep, goats, and other susceptible animals. I urge all farmers and livestock owners to ensure their animals are vaccinated to protect them from this dangerous disease,” the Commissioner stated.

Earlier, Dr. Olufemi Bolarin, Kogi State Coordinator of L-PRES, highlighted the socioeconomic importance of livestock in rural areas, noting that about 30% of the rural poor rely on livestock as a primary source of livelihood. Livestock, he explained, is a crucial source of affordable protein and plays a significant role in food security.

“The donation of these vaccines by Kogi L-PRES is not just a gesture of goodwill but a demonstration of our commitment to livestock health. Protecting livestock is not only a personal concern for farmers but a shared responsibility for all stakeholders, given its impact on food security, economic growth, and public health,” Dr. Bolarin added.

He encouraged all stakeholders to seize this opportunity to strengthen the livestock sector, ensuring a healthier, more resilient, and sustainable future for all.