By Stella Obi
Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has been lauded for taking a swift action and putting in place various measures to curtail the outbreak of Anthrax in the state, including the conduct of sensitisation programmes for relevant stakeholders.
Chairman, Oyo State Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim, who was represented by Alhaji Bello Yakubu, gave the commendation during a sensitisation/media parley on Anthrax, organised by the association in collaboration with Ardor Fulani, butchers association, cattle dealers and other stakeholders.
At the event held at Kara Market, Iseyin, on Friday, Alhaji Ibrahim noted the effort of the state government, stating that the programme was about safety of lives as regards the Anthrax disease, which affects both animals and human beings.
He commended Governor Makinde for responding to the plight of cattle breeders sometimes last year when their animals were vaccinated free of charge.
Ibrahim, who implored the governor to continue with the gesture to prevent the outbreak of the virus in Oyo State, promised that the association would also give all necessary support in ensuring that the disease is curtailed.
Speaking further on the effort of the state government, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, affirmed that no case of anthrax had been recorded in Oyo State, as according to him, all hands had been on deck to ensure adherence to safety measures.
Olaleye, who represented by the Deputy Director/Chief Veterinary Medical Officer in charge of Control Post and Cattle Markets in the ministry, Dr Liadi Adeniran, allayed the fears of people about the outbreak
He said:” We have been to several places in the state to give sensitisation on the imminence of the Anthrax disease in Oyo State and we thank God that as of today, there has not been any report of anthrax case in Oyo State.
“We want to give kudos to His Excellency for his prompt intervention in line with the collaboration with the Ministries of Health and Agriculture, so that we would give a lot of sensitisation to the public.
“Actually, we have been able to meet with all the stakeholders in all the cattle markets in the state, informing them of the disease and how to know symptoms in relation to Anthrax.”
Earlier in his lecture, the Oyo State Epidemiology Officer, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Semiu Akibu, said early detection and vaccination are the most effective preventive measures against Anthrax.
He advised cattle breeders to remain vigilant and to promptly report any suspicious illness or death of their animals to the appropriate authority, adding that prevention is better than cure.
He also enjoined them to always engage the service of veterinary doctors to keep their animals healthy and safe for consumption.
