Livestock Disease Outbreaks Put Pressure on Nigeria’s Meat and Milk Supply

Rising livestock diseases are affecting Nigeria’s meat and dairy production, as farmers face limited access to vaccines and repeated outbreaks across the country.

Stakeholders say diseases such as Peste des Petits Ruminants, Foot-and-Mouth Disease, and Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia are reducing herd sizes, lowering output, and cutting farmers’ incomes. They warn this could increase pressure on food supply.

In response, the federal government has supported a new partnership between Ambuvets Konsult and MCI Santé Animale to improve vaccine supply and distribution nationwide.

Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, said the move is part of efforts to control animal diseases and support the livestock sector. He stated that disease prevention remains a key focus of ongoing reforms.

The Chief Executive Officer of Ambuvets Konsult, Shehu Shamsudeen, said the partnership aims to close supply gaps by linking international vaccine production with local delivery systems. He added that the plan will focus on reaching smallholder farmers.

The Chief Executive Officer of MCI Santé Animale, Tadlaoui Omari Khalid, said Nigeria is a priority market under the company’s expansion plans in Africa. He noted that steps are being taken to secure approvals and improve vaccine access.

Several vaccines for livestock and poultry diseases have already been approved by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.

The companies also confirmed ongoing work with the National Veterinary Research Institute to test vaccine performance locally and explore possible domestic production.

Experts say improving vaccine access will help reduce animal losses, stabilise supply, and support protein availability in Nigeria.