December 9, 2022

Nigeria inaugurates documents on controlling transboundary animal diseases

The federal government of Nigeria has inaugurated the National Strategic Documents for the Control of Transboundary Animal Diseases (TADs).

The documents are focused on containing contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, African Trypanosomiasis and tick borne diseases, foot and mouth disease in cattle. Others diseases include Peste Des Petits ruminants in sheep and goats, African swine fever in pigs and Newcastle disease in chickens.

Vice- President Prof Yemi Osinbajo, who inaugurated the seven documents said TADs accounted for more than ₦29 billion (US$65.2 million) of annual losses in Nigeria's livestock sub-sector. Prof Osinbajo, who was represented by Minister of Health Dr. Osagie Ehanire, said that the strategic documents were developed in line with the priority accorded to the agricultural sector by the federal government.

He added that the strategic documents had received wide stakeholders inputs and contributions before validation. He expressed the hope that the seven strategic documents would be used for the good of the livestock industry in Nigeria.

In an address, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Dr. Mohammad Abubakar said TADs have no respect for borders and remained of immense concern to Nigeria. He said that the control of TADs was necessary in order to maximise livestock production and productivity in the country.

"The federal government has taken the lead in this regard; there is therefore the need for collaboration and partnership among the three tiers of government to ensure sharing of knowledge," Dr. Abubakar said.

The minister added that the ministry plan to have Primary Animal Health Centres in all the 774 local government areas of Nigeria.

Additionally, the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, Dr. Maimuna Habib, explained that the strategic documents would serve as guide for the control and eradication of TADs in the country, in line with global best practices.

- WorldStage News