Ikole Ekiti, Nigeria – April 25, 2025
A free vaccination outreach targeting Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), a deadly viral disease affecting goats and sheep, kicked off in Ikole Ekiti last week. The initiative, spearheaded by students and staff of the Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, aims to curb the spread of the highly contagious “sheep and goat plague,” which threatens the livelihoods of the community’s smallholder farmers.
PPR, classified by the FAO and World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) as a critical threat to food security, causes severe symptoms in infected animals, including high fever, respiratory distress, diarrhea, and death. Mortality rates can soar to 90% in vulnerable herds, devastating subsistence farmers who rely on livestock for income. Ikole Ekiti, a hub for small-scale goat rearing, has faced recurring outbreaks, prompting urgent action.
Organizers emphasized the dual focus of the outreach: vaccinating animals and educating farmers. “Many herders aren’t fully aware of how rapidly PPR spreads or the lifesaving role of vaccines,” said a student volunteer. “By combining free vaccinations with education, we hope to protect both livestock and livelihoods.”
The campaign aligns with the global FAO-OIE goal to eradicate PPR by 2030. Vaccination not only reduces outbreaks but also safeguards income streams for communities dependent on healthy herds.
Key Goals of the Initiative include:
- Provide free PPR vaccines to smallholder farmers.
- Educate herders on disease prevention and the economic benefits of vaccination.
- Mobilize community participation in the worldwide PPR eradication effort.
With over 300 million smallholder farms globally at risk from PPR, sustainable control in regions like Ikole Ekiti is critical to meeting international eradication targets. The outreach underscores the power of community-led solutions in tackling global agricultural challenges.
