Kogi begins free mass vaccination to curb animal diseases
Kogi State has launched a mass vaccination campaign against Transboundary Animal Diseases to protect animal health and promote food security.
The Kogi State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Project, in conjunction with the Kogi Ministry of Livestock Development, has initiated a free mass vaccination campaign aimed at combating Transboundary Animal Diseases. This initiative was announced during a stakeholders' engagement meeting held in Lokoja, where various representatives, including farmers, veterinarians, animal scientists, traditional rulers, and security agencies, convened to discuss strategies for the successful implementation of the campaign. Commissioner for Livestock Development, Olufemi Bolarin, emphasized the importance of safeguarding animal health to bolster livestock productivity and ensure food security in the state.
During the meeting, Bolarin urged local farmers, cattle breeders, and pastoralists to participate actively in the vaccination drive, reassuring them of the vaccines' no-cost provision and the government's commitment to ensuring the safety of vaccinators. He expressed confidence in the plan by recalling the state's previous successes in animal vaccination efforts, which had similarly aimed to control animal diseases. The vaccination campaign is a critical step towards protecting the livestock sector in Kogi State, which plays a vital role in the local economy and food supply, highlighting the government's proactive measures in addressing public health concerns related to livestock.
The involvement of various stakeholders indicates a comprehensive approach to the vaccination initiative, intending not just to administer vaccines but also to educate the community on the importance of animal health and productivity. By fostering collaboration between the government, traditional leaders, and the farming community, the initiative aims to strengthen the agricultural sector, improve food security, and enhance the resilience of the local economy against animal diseases. As the campaign progresses, its success could serve as a model for other regions facing similar challenges with livestock health and disease management.