The Federal Government has approved the use of an artificial intelligence tool designed for the early detection of animal diseases.

The move, the government said, is aimed at strengthening veterinary services, preventing outbreaks, and safeguarding the nation’s food supply chain.

Chief Veterinary Officer at the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr Samuel Anzaku, stated this in Abuja at the launch of VetWiz 2.0, a smart surveillance platform designed to diagnose and report livestock diseases in real-time.

Developed by Farm Innovation Nigeria, the AI-powered platform utilises data analytics and digital tools to provide timely diagnosis, advisory services, and market access support for livestock farmers, particularly those in rural areas.

Anzaku, who was represented by Dr. Olasoju Taiwo, described the innovation as a perfect fit for the Federal Government’s digital transformation agenda, adding that the newly created Ministry of Livestock Development was positioned to drive such efforts forward.

He stated that the ministry was committed to public-private partnerships that accelerate the adoption of digital solutions, including AI-powered platforms, to safeguard animal and public health, particularly under the National Livestock Growth Accelerated Strategy (NL-GAS), approved by the National Economic Council.

Anzaku said: “Livestock/agriculture is the backbone of our nation’s economy, and livestock health is a critical pillar within that backbone. Any disruption to animal health is a disruption to food security, livelihoods, and the socio-economic well-being of our people. Therefore, the development of VetWiz 2.0, an application capable of delivering actionable, timely, and quality information on animal disease diagnosis and reporting, cannot be overstated.

“I am informed that the technology promises to support evidence-based policy decisions, strengthen disease surveillance, and help to prevent devastating outbreaks before they occur. The mission of Farm Innovation Nigeria aligns powerfully with the mission and vision of the Nigerian civil service, particularly under the present drive to institutionalise an innovation culture.

“As you are all aware, one of the priority initiatives of the civil service is to leverage digital technologies, promote digital skills, and transform service delivery for greater efficiency and impact. Innovations to serve as clear proof that this mission is achievable when government, private sector, and research-driven organizations collaborate purposefully.”

Speaking, Chief Executive Officer of Farm Innovation, Chinwe Owhorji Owhorji, described the innovation as a transformative tool that enables smarter, predictive disease surveillance.

She noted that the company’s work aligns with the global One Health approach, which recognises the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.

“From our engagements with stakeholders like National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), and Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN), we saw the need to build a platform that supports both human and animal health workers.

With this relaunch, we’re embedding AI to make disease monitoring more intelligent and responsive,” Owhorji said.

She noted that initially developed for community animal health workers, the application has evolved into a more robust system featuring AI-powered tracking, data analytics, and real-time outbreak monitoring.

According to her, the app enables field officers to diagnose symptoms, receive treatment recommendations, escalate complex cases to licensed veterinarians, and connect with nearby veterinary clinics for medications and vaccines.

“We are placing ourselves at the heart of digital agriculture and health innovation not just to improve animal care but to strengthen food security and rural livelihoods across Africa,” Owhorji added.

She observed that sustainable food systems and public health cannot be achieved by one actor alone, saying, “That’s why we’re actively seeking partnerships across civil society, government, and the private sector.”

Chief Technology Officer of the firm, Olawale Arowolo, described the technology as a major advancement in the use of AI in veterinary care.

He emphasised the importance of leveraging technology to improve diagnosis, treatment, and public health responses.

He noted that the platform transmits real-time data to agencies like the National Veterinary Research Institute, supporting disease surveillance, laboratory analysis, and evidence-based policymaking.

“Technology won’t replace veterinary professionals. It’s here to support them, offer smarter insights, and improve outcomes for farmers and livestock,” Arowolo said.

Program Lead at Ikore International, which provided technical support for VetWiz, Dr. Gbenga Ariyo, said the platform was designed with Nigeria’s rural realities in mind.

He said that the platform connects farmers to local animal health workers and veterinary drug vendors, allowing them to list their products and improve access to essential supplies.

“We used the Veterinary Council’s curriculum for community animal health workers to guide development. The tool empowers them to report cases from remote areas where most livestock are located, and data is often lacking,” he added.