By Emmanuel Oluwakorede
In a significant move to contain Anthrax, a disease caused by a spore-forming bacterium which affects animals and Humans, the Kogi State Government in collaboration with Kogi State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) is to vaccinate Livestock animals against the Bacteria.
This followed the donation of 40,000 Anthrax vaccines by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the National Coordinating Office of L-PRES and another 500, 000 Anthrax vaccines.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Timothy Ojoma, who flagged off the vaccination exercise shortly after a Sensitisation Programme, described the exercise as a demonstration of commitment of Kogi L-PRES to the betterment of livestock farming in the State.
“I will like to announce that the Department of Veterinary and Pest Control Services, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMA & FS) had initially donated 40,000 doses of Anthrax Spore Vaccines. The National Coordination Office of Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L- PRES) in collaboration with the FMA & FS donated additional 500,000 doses of Anthrax Spore Vaccine to Kogi State Ministry of Agriculture.”
“I want to also appreciate the effort and support from Kogi L-PRES towards ensuring the successful commencement of mass vaccination campaign against anthrax.
“Anthrax is a rare and serious disease caused by Gram positive rod-shaped Bacteria Known as Bacillus anthracis. It occurs naturally in the soil and commonly affects domestic and wild Animals around the World.
Hon. Ojoma said the Vaccination which is free, will cut across the 21 Local Government Areas of the State, applauding the National Coordinating Office of the Project for their interest in improving the condition of Livestock Farming.
According to him, the exercise is aimed at ensuring that cattle consumed in Kogi State are healthy and to enhance cattle business in the State.
In his remarks, the Kogi State Project Coordinator of L-PRES, Dr. Olufemi Bolarin noted that the exercise is expected to last for three months in 210 Centres in the 21 Local Government Areas of the State.
Dr. Bolarin opined that Veterinary Doctors, Animal Health Assistants and other parapets have been engaged to execute the Project, assuring that their welfare will be adequately taken care of.
“The donation of these vaccines by L-PRES is therefore, not merely a gesture of goodwill; it is a tangible demonstration of our belief in the health of our livestock, not just a personal concern to the farmers but a shared. responsibility for all stakeholders. It is a matter of ensuring food security, promoting economic growth, and protecting public health.
“By working together, we can create a healthier future for ourselves and for generations to come. Let us embrace this opportunity to build a stronger, more resilient, and more sustainable livestock sector. Let us commit to investing in our communities, supporting our farmers, and protecting our livestock and ourselves from Zonotic diseases and epidemics.
“The L-PRES Project is more than just a program; it is a movement, the power of community mobilization for collective action and sustainability; this is a call to action for all of us to come together, and make a difference. It is a reminder that our success is intertwined with the success of our communities, as we aggressively buy in to the One Health approach to human, animals and environmental health solutions.
Also, the vaccination of the Anthrax vaccines according to the SPC will improve animals and human health in the State.
“Anthrax is Bacteria disease that affects animals and they start bleeding from both body holes, nose, eyes and anus. It can be transmitted to human beings”
He charged the Animal Medical Team to be diligent in the assignment as much confidence has been reposed in them for improved health of Animals in the State.
On his part, Dr. Tolu Omotugba, Chairman of Nigeria Veterinary Medical Association while assuring of the cooperation of members for the exercise, called for welfare of Veterinary Doctors participating in the exercise.
The Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Kogi State Chapter, Alh. Yusuf Umar Damina, applauded the World Bank and L-PRES for showing concern for the Cattle Business in the State.
