Kwara state  launches second statewide Anthrax vaccination drive

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held at the Ministry of Livestock Development headquarters in Ilorin, the State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Oloruntoyosi Thomas, emphasised the importance of the campaign in preventing the spread of zoonotic diseases.

Represented by the Director of Personnel, Finance and Supply, Mallam Yusuf Rafiu, the Commissioner stated that the government has approved logistics support to ensure the effective immunisation of susceptible animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats.

She described anthrax as a serious bacterial zoonotic disease of both economic and public health significance, affecting both animals and humans.

“Given the risk associated with anthrax and its potential to spread through the transboundary movement of trade animals, particularly ruminants, it is imperative for the state to activate its rapid response systems and implement proactive measures to curb the spread of the disease,” she stated.

Also speaking, the Director of Veterinary Services, Dr Olugbon Saliman, reiterated that the objective of the campaign is to prevent the outbreak and transmission of anthrax within the state.

He urged livestock farmers and animal owners to take advantage of the campaign and ensure their animals are vaccinated.