Chidimma Uchegbu -Abuja
In swift response to a reported outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) on a commercial farm in Birnin Kudu Local Government Area of Jigawa State, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has deployed an eight-man rapid response team to contain the situation and prevent further spread across the region.
The delegation led by the Director, Project Coordinating Unit and Coordinator of the National Programme for the Control of Foot and Mouth Disease, Dr. Adeniyi Adedoyin, also included animal health experts from the Ministry and National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom, Jos.
The team was supported by officers from the Jigawa State Livestock Development, led by the Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Mahmoud Danyaro, the Chairman of Miyetti Allah in the Local Government Area, Adamu Kankau, and Community Animal Health Workers.
Upon arrival, the joint team assessed the affected Mallam Alu Agro-Allied Company Limited farm, where 34 animals were reported to have shown clinical signs consistent with FMD, with six mortalities recorded.
Foot and Mouth Disease, one of the most contagious livestock diseases, spreads through direct contact with infected animals or indirectly via contaminated feed, water, equipment, or the environment. The virus transmits rapidly through saliva, milk, and air droplets, and can survive for long periods on surfaces and in soil, with mortality rates particularly high among calves.
Affected animals display blisters around the mouth and hooves, hypersalivation, lameness, and loss of appetite – conditions that significantly lead to reduction in body weight, reduced milk production, and overall productivity of livestock, leading to major economic losses for farmers.
This was contained in the statement signed by the Director, Press and Public Relations Department, Ben. Bem Goong.
Dr. Adedoyin explained that laboratory samples had been collected for analysis to determine the circulating strain of the virus, adding that the Ministry, in collaboration with the state and NVRI, had commenced ring vaccination of animals within the affected locality.
“This vaccination campaign underscores our collective commitment to safeguarding the nation’s livestock economy. 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.
“Our intervention is guided by the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS), which places priority on food security and animal health.
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.
He further emphasised the importance of strict adherence to the disease reporting chain, noting that lapses in early notification could delay response efforts.
“When farmers observe any unusual symptoms, the first point of contact should be the State Director of Veterinary Services. Timely reporting helps prevent local problems from becoming national or international concerns,” he added.
The head of the NVRI Foot and Mouth Disease Division, Dr. Hussain Ularamu, who was part of the mission, reiterated that disease reporting and record-keeping were critical to the success of national surveillance efforts:
“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.
“As the nation’s foremost veterinary research institute, NVRI continues to provide the technical backbone for vaccine production, diagnostics, and capacity building. Our collaboration with state ministries and local communities ensures that science directly benefits the people,” he said.
As part of the intervention, the team also held a sensitisation meeting with herders, livestock owners, and community leaders in Birnin Kudu, where best practices on biosecurity, hygiene, and vaccination scheduling were discussed.
Responding, the Farm Manager, Isa Mohammed Gadama, commended the Ministry for its swift response and renewed commitment to the livestock sector, adding that the engagement “have opened our eyes to better management practices, and we are now more determined to report cases early and keep our herds healthy.”
Similarly, the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association in Birnin Kudu, Adamu Kankau, also commended the intervention and pledged the support of the association in ensuring proper health management for their animals.
“We are grateful for the government’s quick action. This visit has brought relief and knowledge. We will continue to cooperate with the veterinary officers to protect our herds,” he said.
At the end of the visit, the team secured the commitment of the Jigawa State Government through the pioneer Commissioner for Livestock Development, Professor Salem Abdurrahman, to develop an annual vaccination plan for FMD and to submit periodic disease surveillance reports to the Ministry.
This approach is expected to enhance early detection, rapid response, and sustained disease control in line with the Federal Government’s livestock health improvement roadmap.
