On Wednesday, the Ogun government secured over 400,000 doses of the anthrax vaccine for cattle to protect them from dangerous zoonotic diseases.

The agriculture and food security commissioner, Bolu Owotomo, announced this during a flag-off ceremony of free anthrax vaccination and enumeration of herders in Ogun.

The programme was organised by the Agriculture Ministry in conjunction with the South-West Commodities Farmers’ Organisation at the Veterinary Hospital Complex, Ita-Eko, in Abeokuta.

Mr Owotomo disclosed that over 400,000 anthrax vaccines were provided by the federal government to address the health and productivity of livestock.

He added that the vaccine would protect cattle from the dangerous zoonotic disease, which posed a risk to livestock and human health.

The commissioner also pointed out that registration of herders, including those from the neighbouring state engaged in seasonal grazing, was vital for monitoring livestock movement.

He added that the registration of herders would prevent the spread of transboundary animal diseases as well as address issues of smuggling, which often introduced diseases and disrupted farming activities.

Mr Owotomo maintained that accurate data collection through this initiative would enhance effective policy-making, promote conflict resolution and facilitate equitable resource distribution.

He added that fostering collaboration with herders would engender peace, security and sustainable livestock farming practices in the state, as the issue of Fulani herders and farmers clashing had become a thing of the past.

He appreciated the support of the federal government and other stakeholders involved in the programme, urging cattle owners and herders to cooperate with the vaccination team to safeguard their livestock and create a healthier environment.

Taiwo Jolaoso, the Department of Veterinary Services director, 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.

He said the outbreak necessitated herders’ enumeration, regular training, and preventing illegal entry by pastoralists, which could reduce the herder-farmer conflict in Ogun.

(NAN)