Livestock farmers in Ekiti State have been urged to prioritise vaccination of their animals as authorities intensify efforts to curb the spread of transboundary animal diseases to the State.

The call came during a sensitisation programme organised by the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (LPRES) Project in Ado-Ekiti, where farmers were briefed on the risks posed by diseases including Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP), Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Newcastle Disease.

Speaking at the event, the state LPRES Project Coordinator, Mr Olayinka Adedipe, said vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to prevent outbreaks and protect livestock.

He warned that transboundary diseases continue to impact productivity and can result in severe economic losses through animal deaths, reduced market value and trade restrictions.

“Vaccination is key to ensuring healthy livestock and improving farmers’ incomes,” he said. “Livestock owners should take advantage of government-supported vaccination programmes to safeguard their animals and investments.”

Animal health experts also highlighted the symptoms associated with the diseases, including high fever, persistent coughing, breathing difficulties, nasal discharge and rapid weight loss.

Dr. Oluwaseun Oluwarotimi, an animal health officer with the project, said early detection and response are critical to preventing widespread outbreaks that could devastate herds and flocks.

In separate remarks, the Chairman of the Fulani-Ilorin Ido/Osi Chapter, Mallam Tayo Aliyu, alongside Mallam Isa Mohammed from Ilejemeje Local Government Area, welcomed the initiative and described it as timely.

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They said routine vaccination would help reduce losses and pledged to adopt recommended practices to protect their livestock.

The sensitization forms part of wider efforts to strengthen animal health systems, boost livestock productivity and improve food security across the state.