The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has deployed an eight-man rapid response team to contain an outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) on a commercial farm in Birnin Kudu Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
The team, led by Dr. Adeniyi Adedoyin, Director, Project Coordinating Unit and Coordinator of the National Programme for the Control of Foot and Mouth Disease, assessed the affected Mallam Alu Agro-Allied Company Limited farm, where 34 animals showed clinical signs consistent with FMD, and six mortalities were recorded.
A statement on Sunday by Ben Bem Goong Director, Press and Public Relations Department said the Ministry has commenced ring vaccination of animals within the affected locality to prevent further spread of the disease. Laboratory samples have been collected for analysis to determine the circulating strain of the virus.
The Ministry is working closely with the Jigawa State government and the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) to control the outbreak.
Dr. Adedoyin emphasized the importance of strict adherence to the disease reporting chain, noting that early notification is crucial in preventing local problems from becoming national or international concerns.
He also highlighted the significance of vaccination in controlling the disease, recommending that vaccination be carried out every six months to keep animals protected and productive.
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. The Jigawa State Government has pledged to develop an annual vaccination plan for FMD and submit periodic disease surveillance reports to the Ministry.
The swift response and intervention have been commended by farmers and herders, who appreciate the government’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s livestock economy.
The Ministry’s efforts are guided by the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS), which prioritizes food security and animal health.