The Ekiti State Government has launched a state-wide mass vaccination program for livestock, aimed at protecting animals from zoonotic diseases, including Anthrax. The initiative, spearheaded by the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) in collaboration with the World Bank, was officially flagged off on Tuesday at Gaa Alhaji Bayo, along the Igede–Aramoko Road in Aramoko Ekiti.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Ebenezer Boluwade, described the program as a proactive measure to safeguard the health of livestock and mitigate the economic risks associated with an Anthrax outbreak. He stated, “This exercise is crucial to prevent the spread of Anthrax disease, which can have devastating consequences on our livestock population and the economy.”

Key Highlights of the Initiative:

• 100,000 Anthrax Vaccine Doses: The state government, through L-PRES, has provided 100,000 doses of the Anthrax vaccine, which will be administered free of charge across all 16 local government areas in Ekiti State.
• Targeted Livestock: The vaccination will cover cattle, goats, and sheep in the state, focusing on preventing zoonotic diseases that can be transmitted to humans.
• Economic and Public Health Goals: Boluwade emphasized that the initiative aligns with Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s vision of positioning Ekiti State as a hub for agricultural excellence, ensuring food security and promoting public health.

Stakeholders Call for Cooperation

The L-PRES State Project Coordinator, Olayinka Adedipe, urged livestock owners to take advantage of the free vaccination campaign to protect their animals. “Anthrax is a deadly zoonotic disease that affects both animals and humans. We aim to prevent such outbreaks and ensure the health of our livestock,” Adedipe said.

Similarly, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Ebenezer Ojo, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to public health and food security. “This vaccination exercise demonstrates our dedication to promoting the well-being of livestock and safeguarding public health. Livestock owners and stakeholders should cooperate fully with the veterinarians and animal health professionals conducting the vaccination,” he added.

Importance of the Initiative

Anthrax, a highly infectious disease, poses serious health risks to both livestock and humans. By vaccinating animals, the state government aims to reduce the risk of outbreaks, improve livestock productivity, and strengthen food security in Ekiti State.

The vaccination program will be conducted at various locations across the state, with veterinarians and animal health workers ensuring that the process is seamless and effective.

The government has called on livestock owners to present their animals for vaccination and reiterated its commitment to transforming agriculture into a commercial enterprise, driving economic prosperity for Ekiti State.