Abia, Federal Ministry Begin Joint Effort to Tackle Tsetse Fly, Livestock Pests

The Abia State Government says it will collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to control tsetse flies and other pests affecting livestock production.

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Cliff Agbeze, made this known during a visit by a Federal Ministry team led by the head of the Tsetse Fly Surveillance and Control Project, Gilbert Okoro, to the ministry in Umuahia. The commissioner was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Adamma Aguwa.

Agbeze said the partnership would strengthen efforts by both governments to reduce pests that affect livestock and crop production and support increased agricultural output.

Okoro said the tsetse fly spreads trypanosomiasis, a disease that affects cattle and can also cause sleeping sickness in humans. He added that the pest reduces milk and meat production in cattle.

He said the project supports the World Health Organisation’s One Health Initiative and will cover Abia's three senatorial districts, with field activities planned for Aba, Umuahia and Lokpanta. He noted that after Abia, the team will continue the project in Akwa Ibom.

The team later visited the Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Umudike to conclude preparations for the commencement of field operations across the state.