By Paulino Angok Garang
Ministry of Animal Resources, Fisheries, and Tourism of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State has vaccinated over 900,000 heads of cattle in Nyalath, Aweil Center County.
The exercise was conducted in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
In a press briefing, Deputy Governor Dr. Tong Lual Ayat urged cattle farmers to safeguard their herds against outbreaks that threaten livestock welfare in the state.
He reassured farmers that the state government, along with its partners, is committed to supporting them during this critical vaccination campaign.
Kerblino Thiep Tong, the State Minister of Animal Resources stated that vaccinating cattle is a top priority for the ministry, aimed at preventing diseases that lead to high mortality rates among cattle across the state.
The Minister expressed gratitude to all organizations that have supported the ministry in launching this vaccination initiative, which began on Tuesday in Nyalath.
He also called on livestock partners to continue their support.
For his part, Commissioner of Aweil Center County, Peter Natale, thanked the Ministry and livestock partners for their efforts in vaccinating over 900,000 cattle.
He urged international organizations and NGOs to continue supporting local farmers.
Commissioner Natale also encouraged the community in Aweil Center and cattle grazing camps to maintain peace and unity.
FAO representative, Paul Thon Akech said a routine vaccination campaigns have been organized in Northern Bahr El Ghazal.
He added that the initiative aims at protecting livestock against Hemorrhagic Septicemia, Black Quarter, Anthrax, and Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), during the wet season.
Thon further noted that the vaccination campaign will also target small ruminants for diseases such as Sheep-Goat Pox and CCPP, along with Newcastle disease in poultry.
The campaign will encompass all five counties of Northern Bahr el Ghazal under the direct implementation of the state ministry.