Government, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, conducted a comprehensive training program for 50 disease surveillance agents over the weekend.
The three-day training, declared open by Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, aims to enhance accurate reporting of animal diseases within the state.
The initiative, organized by the Regional Disease Surveillance Enhancement (REDISSE) Project in partnership with the Oyo State Government, seeks to elevate the standards of disease monitoring and control.
By equipping surveillance agents with epidemiological knowledge and skills, the program strives to prevent and manage animal diseases both within Oyo State and across the nation.
While Oyo State remains free from reported cases of anthrax disease, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye underlined the importance of proactive measures to prevent its potential outbreak.
He emphasized that the state government, led by Engr. Seyi Makinde, has implemented comprehensive strategies to curb the spread of anthrax, including mass media sensitization and on-site assessments of abattoirs and livestock markets to educate stakeholders.
Expressing appreciation to the Federal Government of Nigeria, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye urged the participants to approach their roles as ambassadors of the state with attentiveness and focus.
He highlighted the invaluable nature of the knowledge acquired during the training in safeguarding both animal and human lives.
Dr. Mrs. Ibukunoluwa Akinola, a facilitator from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, underscored the significance of training paraprofessional Veterinarians and Animal Health Workers.
This instruction will enhance the quality of disease reporting, ensuring that accurate data reaches international and local partners.
The aim is to facilitate the provision of necessary vaccines to prevent disease spread and safeguard animals and humans alike.
Dr. Akinola further noted the crucial role of accurate disease reporting in maintaining a hygienic environment.
Highlighting the zoonotic nature of many diseases, which can transfer from animals to humans, she emphasized that precise reporting contributes to the prevention of outbreaks and a healthier ecosystem.
Commending the Oyo State Government for its proactive measures against the disease, Dr. Akinola lauded their sensitization efforts, particularly towards stakeholders such as butchers.
She confirmed that no anthrax cases have been recorded in Oyo State, validating the effectiveness of the state’s initiatives.
The participants of the training, represented by Mr. John Fabunmi and Mrs. Aina Akinola, expressed gratitude to the organizers for the timely refresher course.
They pledged their commitment to accurate disease reporting, vowing to play an active role in preventing disease outbreaks within the state and Nigeria as a whole.
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