By Haruna Kuyateh
The Chief of Central Badibu, Alagie Jagne, has called on the Department of Livestock Services (DLS) to ensure that all animals crossing into the district are properly screened to prevent the spread of livestock diseases.
Chief Jagne made the call on Saturday in Njaba Kunda while speaking to Voice as he trekked his area, assessing the preparedness of district authorities to control bushfires as the vegetable gardening season begins and farm produce remains on the fields.
He emphasized the district tribunal’s zero-tolerance stance on bushfires and urged gardeners to create fire belts around their gardens to help control and manage fire outbreaks during land clearing.
The chief stressed that preventing bushfires would help preserve grazing areas for livestock, regenerate forest species, improve soil nutrients, and contribute to climate change mitigation.
Calling for collective responsibility, Chief Jagne urged all stakeholders to support the Department of Forestry’s drive to achieve zero bushfires during the 2025/2026 season.
On transhumant livestock movement, he appealed to alkalolu (village heads) in Central Badibu to ensure that all animal breeders are registered. He also challenged the Department of Livestock Services to deploy standby teams at border points to screen animals against diseases.
Chief Jagne further warned herders and shepherds to restrain their cattle at night to prevent the destruction of farm produce, stating that offenders would face strict penalties with no compromise.
