The Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Bolu Owotomo, has called for collaboration between butchers and herders in the state to tackle the scourge of tuberculosis among animals.

Owotomo said the state remained committed to strengthening its agricultural and health systems to mitigate the risk of zoonotic diseases such as tuberculosis and anthrax, which could easily be transmitted between animals and human beings.

The commissioner, represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, Dr Leke Otegbeye, disclosed this at a stakeholders’ engagement held on Sunday at Oba’s Complex, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta.

The event is to mark this year’s World Tuberculosis Day, with the theme “Yes! We Can End TB!”

He said “In Ogun State, where livestock farming is a major component of the economy, we cannot afford to ignore the dangers posed by zoonotic diseases.

“Beyond the human toll, zoonotic TB negatively impacts food security by reducing livestock productivity, leading to economic losses for farmers and increased risks of food contamination.”

He disclosed that the government had taken a list of measures such as enhanced disease surveillance and expansion of veterinary services, to ensure early detection, reporting, and management of tuberculosis in livestock among others.

Owotomo, however, said the government could not do it alone, as he called for support from butchers, herders, veterinary professionals and even consumers.

“While the government is taking bold steps to curb zoonotic TB, we cannot do it alone.

“We, therefore, call on farmers and livestock owners to adopt best practices in animal health management.


https://punchng.com/ogun-seeks-support-to-curb-tb-in-livestock/