As the threat of anthrax looms over the livestock industry, the Ekiti State Government has taken a proactive step to protect its animals. The state has launched a massive vaccination campaign, aiming to administer 100,000 doses of anthrax vaccines to animals across the 16 local government areas. The move is a welcome relief to livestock owners, who have been grappling with the threat of anthrax. The disease, which is deadly to both animals and humans, has been a major concern for the industry. By taking proactive measures, the Ekiti State Government is not only protecting its livestock but also safeguarding the health and livelihoods of its citizens.
According to Ebenezer Boluwade, the state Commissioner for Agriculture, the vaccination exercise is a critical step towards preventing the outbreak of anthrax disease in the state. “This initiative is a critical step towards preventing the outbreak of anthrax disease in our dear state and ensuring the well-being of our livestock,” he said.
The vaccination campaign is being implemented in collaboration with the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project, a World Bank project. The project’s State Coordinator, Olayinka Adedipe, urged livestock owners to take advantage of the free vaccination exercise, warning that anthrax is a deadly zoonotic disease that affects both animals and humans.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Ebenezer Ojo, emphasised the state government’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of its livestock, promoting food security, and safeguarding public health. He called on livestock owners and stakeholders to cooperate with the team of veterinarians and animal health professionals conducting the vaccination exercise.
