By Fatima Muraina

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Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the united Nations under the Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Disease (ECTAD), has declared Ondo state as the second best in disease reporting.
The state received the award of excellence for painstakingly carrying out survey and reporting animal diseases that are of public importance to sensitize the populace on how to be cautious as regards the disease.
According to a statement signed by the Press Officer, Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs Bisi Lawani, the Director of Veterinary Services of the ministry, Dr Adebayo Ehinmowo who received the award on behalf of the state in Abuja, said it was given in recognition of the state’s reportage and survey of diseases like Lassa fever and Avian influenza which he said the state is free from.
Ehinmowo, noted that the award would encourage the state to do more in the area of survey and reportage of diseases which are of public interest and promoting one health concept that collaborate the efforts of multiple disciplines working locally, nationally, and globally, to attain optimal health for people, animals and environment.
According to him, the department had put in place several mechanism such as prompt reportorial of development to both state and at the federal level, adequate advocacy to relevant places , constituted a committee on reportorial as well as registration and regulations of farmers for an effective reportage to earn the recognition.
Receiving the award from Ehinmowo in Akure, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr Sunday Akintomide affirmed that the state is not relenting in ensuring that the health and people of the state are paramount to the government.
He implored the department of Veterinary Services in the ministry not to relent in its efforts, as he dedicated the award to God and to the governor for running a people-friendly government.
He charged other departments in the ministry to emulate the veterinary department by putting in their best to earn such achievements to make the state a leading example in their respective field of endeavours