Kogi Launches Free Mass Animal Vaccination to Combat Transboundary Diseases

The Kogi State Government has commenced a free mass animal vaccination campaign aimed at curbing Transboundary Animal Diseases and strengthening livestock productivity across the state. The initiative is part of efforts to safeguard animal health, boost farmers’ incomes, and enhance food security.

The exercise is being implemented by the Kogi State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Project in collaboration with the Kogi Ministry of Livestock Development. The vaccination campaign was formally unveiled during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting held in Lokoja on Wednesday.

Commissioner for Livestock Development, Olufemi Bolarin, said the programme was designed to protect livestock from highly contagious cross-border diseases that threaten agricultural sustainability and economic stability. He emphasized that proactive animal healthcare remains central to improving rural livelihoods.

The meeting brought together a broad range of stakeholders, including farmers, veterinarians, animal scientists, traditional rulers, and security agencies. Discussions focused on strategy, logistics, and community mobilization to ensure effective coverage of livestock populations across local government areas.

Bolarin urged cattle breeders, pastoralists, and livestock farmers to fully support the initiative, describing it as a critical intervention that would reduce animal mortality, increase productivity, and contribute significantly to the state’s food security goals.