By Correspondent

Animal vaccination program has been kickstarted in Fashoda County, Upper Nile State, veterinary authorities announced. According to the authorities, the campaign started on Tuesday, and will see animals vaccinated to prevent animal diseases from being transmitted through floodwaters, especially during the current prolonged period of rains.

Dr. Younis Jago, Director at the Department of Animal Resources in Fashoda County said the program will target 25,000 head of cattle, 10,000 goats and sheep as well as 500 dogs.

He said the initiative is part of department’s cooperation with the County, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The campaign is expected to run for 10 days.

On his part, Akoj Nyawela, Fashoda County Pastoralists Union Chairman, while appreciating the initiative, said the campaign aims to eradicate diseases as part of the union’s efforts to preserve national resources. Nyawela advised pastoralists in the region to graze their animals on higher grounds that are not affected by floods.

The prolonged rains and flooding have threatened, not just the lives of humans, but also livestock, disrupting livelihoods and attracting untold diseases.

Other states, including Lakes State, have also experienced incidences of animal diseases, with local residents and livestock keepers calling for government and stakeholder intervention.

Last week, authorities reported that more than 270 cattle died following the outbreak of Lumpy Skills Disease in Lakes State. The disease, characterised by fever, nodules on the skin, mucous membranes and internal organs, emaciation, enlarged lymph nodes and oedema of the skin, killed the cattle within a period of two months, in August and September, 2024.

Samuel Gai Magok, Lakes State Minister of Animal Resources Fisheries and Tourism, confirmed that a total of 5024 cattle were affected by the disease. He advised citizens in the state as well as the government to be on high alert following the outbreak of the disease, common in cattle and buffaloes.

“So, far we have investigated and collected data from all the eight counties of Lakes State and even now, we have the data available,” he said, confirming the total cases at 5024; with 273 deaths, 3,588 cows recovered from the diseases and 1,480 cows still affected

“To the general public, especially livestock keepers, ensure you adhere to the preventive measures. Isolation the sick animals, clean the environment, that is cow yard, and minimize random livestock migration,” he said, insisting that the public must obey the three measures even before government sends medication for the animals.

Magok said they had sent a report to the National Ministry of Livestock and partners confirming the outbreak of the disease in Lakes State.