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WCS Vaccinates Livestock Against Foot, Mouth Virus in Yankari

The Wildlife Conservation Society of Nigeria (WCS) has targeted over 12,000 cattle for vaccination against Foot and Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV) and Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) in communities neighbouring Yankari Game Reserve in Alkaleri local government area of Bauchi State.

WikkiTimes 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.

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Speaking at the flag of the vaccination exercise at Gajin-Duguri, the Livelihood Officer of the WCS, Mr. DanBaba Kadala said the exercise 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 program 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,” he said.

He added, “The livestock vaccination program 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 program emphasizes the importance of reducing grazing activities within the Yankari Game 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 program 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 program 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 LGA, Retired Major Garba Hassan Bajama represented by Deputy Director Veterinary Alkaleri, Malam Tukur Dalibi, commended the Society and participants and also appreciated their patience despite the challenges posed by some individuals and called on them not to be discouraged.

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