The Wildlife Conservation Society of Nigeria (WCS) has begun the vaccination of cattle against Foot and Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV) and Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) in communities neighbouring Yankari Games Reserve in Alkaleri local government area of Bauchi State.
The exercise is targeted at over 12,000 cattle.
LEADERSHIP Weekend reports that the vaccination campaign, with support from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, was designed to promote public health, biodiversity and sustainable livelihoods in four selected communities around Yankari.
Speaking at the flag-off of the vaccination exercise at Gajin-Duguri, the livelihood officer of WCS Nigeria, Mr DanBaba Kadala said the exercise is intended to conserve African Savanna elephants and their habitat by addressing the impacts of disease and seasonal movement of livestock.
“Unvaccinated livestock pose significant risks to wildlife, humans and other domesticated animals. This programme will address these challenges by working with traditional pastoralist leaders to vaccinate 12,000 cattle to reduce the risk of disease transmission to wildlife inside the Reserve and support sustainable livestock management practices.
“The programme has been designed with three core goals in mind, all of which align with WCS’s mission to foster biodiversity conservation and community well-being.
“First, the programme emphasizes the importance of reducing grazing activities within the Yankari Games Reserve. Overgrazing and the intrusion of livestock into protected areas not only disrupt wildlife habitats but also increase the risk of human-wildlife conflict and the spread of zoonotic diseases.
“By improving livestock health and productivity, the programme aims to discourage herders from entering the reserve in search of pasture, thereby promoting a harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife.”
Mr Kadala said by mitigating the spread of these diseases, the programme will enhance the productivity of livestock, ensuring that local pastoralists can maintain stable sources of income and nutrition for their families.
On his part, the chairman of Alkaleri local government, Major Garba Hassan (rtd) represented by the deputy director, Veterinary, Alkaleri LGA, Malam Tukur Dalibi, commended the Wildlife Conservation Society of Nigeria and participants for their efforts and also appreciated their patience despite the challenges posed by some individuals and called on them not to be discouraged.