The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has launched a rapid response to a reported outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) on a commercial farm in Birnin Kudu Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
An eight-member team, led by the Director of the Project Coordinating Unit, Dr Adeniyi Adedoyin, has been deployed to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread in the region.
The team, made up of animal health experts from the ministry and the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom, Jos, is supported by local veterinary officers and community health workers.
According to a statement from the ministry, the team assessed the Mallam Alu Agro-Allied Company Limited, the farm where 34 animals displayed clinical signs consistent with FMD, resulting in six reported fatalities.
Foot and Mouth Disease, known for its high contagiousness, spreads through direct contact with infected animals and contaminated surfaces, leading to severe economic losses for farmers due to reduced productivity and high mortality rates, particularly among calves.
Dr Adedoyin said, “Foot and Mouth Disease is one of the most economically devastating animal diseases, and through coordinated action like this, we are taking concrete steps to protect the livelihoods of our farmers and herders.”
He added that laboratory samples have been collected to identify the circulating virus strain, and vaccinations are underway in the affected area as part of the containment strategy.
Dr Adedoyin emphasised the importance of regular vaccinations, recommending a biannual schedule for livestock, pointing out the importance of early detection and effective disease control in line with the federal government’s livestock health improvement strategy.
“Nigeria is an FMD-endemic country, so we recommend that vaccination be carried out every six months to keep animals protected and productive,” he said.
The Head of the NVRI Foot and Mouth Disease Division, Dr Hussain Ularamu, stressed the significance of disease reporting and diligent record-keeping by farmers.
“We encourage farmers to keep digital and written health records of their herds.
“This enables veterinarians to respond faster and tailor vaccination and treatment effectively,” he explained.
A sensitisation meeting was conducted with local herders and livestock owners to discuss best practices for biosecurity and hygiene.
On his part, the Farm Manager, Isa Mohammed Gadama, expressed gratitude for the federal government’s quick response, stating, “This engagement has opened our eyes to better management practices, and we are now more determined to report cases early and keep our herds healthy.”
Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association in Birnin Kudu, Adamu Kankau, echoed this sentiment, pledging the association’s support for proper animal health management.
He said, “We are grateful for the government’s quick action. This visit has brought relief and knowledge.”
At the conclusion of the visit, Jigawa State’s Commissioner for Livestock Development, Professor Salem Abdurrahman, assured of the state government’s commitment to developing an annual vaccination plan for FMD and ensuring periodic disease surveillance reports are submitted to the federal government through the Ministry of Livestock Development.
