WCS to Vaccinate Over 12,000 Livestock Around Yankari Game Reserve
By Uzairu Dauda Bunga:
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is set to vaccinate over 12,000 cattle in the Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State to protect livestock from deadly diseases, as part of efforts to safeguard the nearby Yankari Game Reserve.
The Country Director of WCS Mr Andrew Dun, Said the initiative, is aimed at preventing outbreaks of diseases such as Foot and Mouth Disease and Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia, is crucial to preserving the health of both wildlife and livestock in the area.
WCSs Country Director, Mr. Andrew Dun, announced this during a vaccination campaign flag-off event in Gajin Duguri, Alkaleri LGA, represented by Mr. Danbaba Madi Kadala, the organization’s Livelihood Officer, who highlighted the significance of the initiative for the local communities and the wildlife conservation efforts in the area.
Mr. Andrew expressed gratitude towards the Bauchi State Government for their support in helping WCS achieve its goals of protecting both the wildlife and the people living around the reserve.
He noted that the vaccination campaign, which is supported by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, would address significant health threats to the cattle population, such as diseases that affect cattles lungs and overall well-being.
He said, the vaccination will reduce the spread of disease and mitigate the risks posed by the seasonal movement of unvaccinated livestock, which can affect wildlife, humans, and other domesticated animals.
Mr. Andrew also emphasized that Yankari Game Reserve, which houses Nigeria’s largest remaining elephant population, must be protected to maintain its role as a key tourism destination in the country.
The Country Director said WCS remains committed to fostering biodiversity conservation and improving the livelihoods of local communities, saying this includes reducing grazing activities within the reserve, preventing overgrazing, and curbing the intrusion of livestock into protected areas.
In his remarks, the Honourable Commissioner of the Bauchi State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Abdul Hassan, commended WCS for its long-standing support of Yankari Game Reserve, which has contributed significantly to attracting tourists from around the world.
Represented by the General Manager of Yankari Game Reserve, Alhaji Muhammad Ladan, the commissioner urged local residents to participate in the vaccination campaign, highlighting its importance for both the health of their livestock and the protection of the reserve.
The Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Sulaiman Adamu, represented by the District Head of Pali, Alhaji Garba Muhammad Sambo, also lent his support to the vaccination effort.
He urged cattle rearers to take advantage of the campaign, stressing that the vaccines are vital for the health of their herds and the economic development of the nation.
The Emir of Bauchi, further encouraged WCS to continue its efforts in promoting peaceful coexistence between local communities and wildlife, while ensuring the protection of Yankari Game Reserve.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Alkaleri Local Government Area, Alhaji Garba Hassan Bajama, expressed his gratitude for the vaccination program, calling it the first of its kind by a non-governmental organization in the state.
Represented by Alhaji Tukur Dalibi Adamu, Deputy Director of the Agricultural Department, he promised that the local government would work closely with WCS to improve the living conditions of the people in Alkaleri and enhance the protection of Yankari Game Reserve.
Alhaji Bajama said, this vaccination campaign marks a significant step towards improving livestock health, safeguarding wildlife, and fostering sustainable development in the region.
