Federal Government Moves Swiftly to Contain Foot and Mouth Disease Outbreak in Jigawa

The Federal Government has swung into action following an outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) at a commercial farm in Birnin Kudu, Jigawa State. Through the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, an eight-member rapid response team has been deployed to contain the outbreak and stop the disease from spreading to neighboring areas.

Source:Wool

Led by Dr. Adeniyi Adedoyin, Coordinator of the National Programme for the Control of Foot and Mouth Disease, the team includes experts from the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), state veterinary officers, and community animal health workers. The joint taskforce visited Mallam Alu Agro-Allied Company Limited, where 34 animals showed symptoms of FMD and six deaths were recorded. Samples have since been taken for laboratory analysis, while ring vaccination of nearby herds is already underway.

Dr. Adedoyin emphasized that the quick intervention reflects the government’s determination to protect Nigeria’s livestock economy under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy. He described FMD as one of the most economically devastating animal diseases and urged farmers to vaccinate their animals every six months. He also stressed the need for prompt reporting of suspected cases to ensure timely containment.

Head of NVRI’s FMD Division, Dr. Hussain Ularamu, highlighted the importance of proper record-keeping and surveillance in fighting the disease. He explained that NVRI continues to provide technical support through vaccine production, diagnostics, and capacity building, ensuring that scientific innovation directly benefits livestock farmers across the country.

During the visit, the response team met with herders, farmers, and community leaders to promote biosecurity, hygiene, and vaccination awareness. The engagement, according to farm manager Isa Mohammed Gadama, has equipped local producers with better disease prevention knowledge and renewed their commitment to timely reporting.

The intervention concluded with a pledge from the Jigawa State Government to strengthen its disease surveillance system and establish an annual vaccination program. Officials reaffirmed their readiness to work with federal authorities to protect animal health and sustain productivity in the livestock sector.