By Gabriel Ewepu – Abuja

With Monkeypox currently ravaging parts of Nigeria, the Federal Government, Thursday, flagged off distribution of 1.8 million free animal disease prevention vaccine in Edo and other South South States.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Muhammad Abubakar, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Ernest Umakhihe, during the flag-off ceremony of 2022 Nationwide Free Mass Vaccination Campaign against Transboundary Animal Diseases in Benin, Edo State, explained that essence of the vaccination campaign is to protect the Nigerian livestock population against any form of disease outbreak.

The vaccine is to prevent transboundary Animal Diseases (TADs) including Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP), Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Peste Des Petits Ruminants (PPR) and Newcastle Disease (ND) are affecting the livestock population.

He added that the vaccination campaign is to achieve the much-desired herd immunity, hence adequate vaccination is required.

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In attendance were the Cattle  Breeders Association of Nigeria, Sheep and Goat Association of Nigeria, Edo Pigs Association,  All Farmers Association of Nigeria, and others.

He said: “Livestock production is a major means of livelihood in Nigeria which employs about 70 per cent of our population, food nutrition and security as well as means of livelihood for majority of our rural dwellers.

“The Ministry has policies and National programme for the control of these diseases, while it is the policy for routine vaccination for all diseases, it is our policy as a country not to vaccinate against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, also known as Bird flu.

“Over the years, the policy of CBPP, FMD, PPR and ND control in Nigeria has been routine annual vaccination.

“However, the vaccination coverage has been limited by inadequate resources. But going forward, we intend to scale up vaccination coverage as more resources become available.”

Meanwhile, the Minster called on development partners and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to key into the initiative by supporting the States with more vaccines and the logistics needed to carry out the mass vaccination in the country.

In an address of welcome, the Acting Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, represented by the Commissioner for  Agriculture and Food Security, Edo State, Hon Stephen  Idenhere, commended the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguard livestock across the country against any form of disease outbreak through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Shaibu also made it known that Edo State was at the verge of resuscitating Igarra- Ewan Cattle Ranch as well as establishing livestock production centres to promote responsible ruminant production in the State.

However, he called on State Governments within the South South region to take it upon themselves to ensure adequate prevention of any form of animal disease outbreak through deployment of preventive measures.

“I call on all States within the South South region, to join hands in the battle as animal disease control is a collective responsibility.

“This synergy would go a long way in enhancing livestock production in the zone thereby improving the socio- economic status of the rural dwellers”, he said.

According to him, Edo State Government had keyed into the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support(LPRES) project of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, ECOWAS- PACBAO which were aimed at improving livestock production and curbing farmers/ herders clashes.

In a goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary of Cross River State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Jacobs Udida, commended the Federal Government’s initiative towards the Free Mass Vaccination Campaign against Transboundary Animal Diseases and for providing Primary Health Center which would go a long way to improve Animal Health.

Meanwhile, the Director, Federal Department of Veterinary and Pest Control and Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, Dr Maimuna Habib, assured State Governments support and collaboration to achieve band sustain good health of livestock in Nigeria through the provision of vaccines, trainings, disinfectants and veterinary drugs.

Vanguard News Nigeria