Kogi State Launches Free Mass Vaccination Drive Against Transboundary Animal Diseases

Dayo Thomas

Kogi State’s livestock sector has received a significant boost with the launch of a free mass vaccination drive against Transboundary Animal Diseases (TADs). The vaccination campaign, which began on February 18, aims to safeguard animal health, strengthen livestock productivity, and enhance food security in the state.

The vaccines, provided by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, include 200,000 doses of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) vaccines, 30,000 doses of Newcastle Disease vaccines, and 3,000 doses of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccines. These vaccines will be administered to livestock clusters across the state’s 21 local government areas between February 18 and March 13

The vaccination drive is a collective effort to combat diseases like CBPP, FMD, and Newcastle Disease, which have been affecting livestock productivity and food security in the state. Commissioner for Livestock Development, Dr. Olufemi Bolarin, emphasized that the initiative is crucial in reducing disease burden, improving livestock productivity, and enhancing socio-economic wellbeing

The vaccination drive is expected to benefit livestock farmers, pastoralists, poultry farmers, and small ruminant farmers across the state. The initiative has brought together stakeholders, including farmers, veterinarians, animal scientists, traditional rulers, and security agencies, to discuss strategies for the vaccination drive