The Kwara State Government has unveiled plans to vaccinate over 330,000 cattle, sheep, and goats in a comprehensive State-Wide Mass Anthrax Vaccination Campaign aimed at safeguarding livestock and public health.
This initiative, spearheaded by the Kwara State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) in partnership with the State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, includes the training of 50 veterinary personnel on best practices in vaccination procedures.
Speaking at the training workshop held in Ilorin, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Funke Sokoya, emphasized the importance of the campaign. She commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his proactive leadership and timely funding of agricultural projects.
“The administration’s commitment has ensured the receipt of over 330,000 doses of anthrax vaccines through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, bringing us closer to eradicating anthrax from the state,” she said.
The Commissioner further urged vaccinators to maintain professionalism and prioritize safety during the exercise, which spans all 16 local government areas of the state.
A Step Towards Zero Anthrax
The Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Abdullateef Olugbon, underscored the campaign’s significance in protecting both livestock and the public from zoonotic diseases. He also advised vaccinators to practice proper disposal of materials used during the process to prevent environmental contamination.
L-PRES State Project Coordinator, Mr. Olusoji Oyawoye, represented by Dr. Bukola Richards, outlined that the project aligns with the broader goal of enhancing livestock productivity and resilience. He assured that the exercise would cover every corner of the state to ensure no livestock is left unprotected.
Stakeholder Support
Dr. Timothy Gana, a private veterinary surgeon and former state NVMA chairman, praised the state government for organizing the training, which he described as a timely refresher for the vaccinators.
The workshop also featured technical presentations by veterinary experts, including Dr. Bukola Arinola Richards and Dr. Muftaudeen Oyewo, who provided in-depth guidance on vaccination procedures and safety measures.
With this bold initiative, Kwara State is not only prioritizing livestock health but also reinforcing its commitment to agricultural resilience and public safety.
Source:Newkwara Media
