FG Moves Swiftly in Containing Foot and Mouth Disease Outbreak in Jigawa, Launches Rapid Response and Vaccination Drive
By Onwe Wisdom Pan Afric Reporters
(Birnin Kudu, Jigawa State)
The Federal Government has swiftly contained an outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) reported on a commercial farm in Birnin Kudu Local Government Area of Jigawa State, deploying an eight-man rapid response team to stem the spread and safeguard livestock across the region.
In a decisive move, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development according to a press release e-signed by the ministry’s Director Press and Public Relations Department,Ben. Bem Goong dispatched a high-level team led by the Director, Project Coordinating Unit and Coordinator of the National Programme for the Control of Foot and Mouth Disease, Dr. Adeniyi Adedoyin, to assess and address the situation. The delegation included animal health experts from the Ministry and the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom, supported by the Jigawa State Directorate of Veterinary Services and local stakeholders.
Upon assessment of the affected Mallam Alu Agro-Allied Company Limited farm, officials confirmed that 34 animals had shown clinical symptoms consistent with FMD, with six deaths recorded.
Describing the government’s actions, Dr. Adedoyin said, “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.”
He further noted that laboratory samples had been collected to identify the circulating strain of the virus, adding that the Ministry, in collaboration with NVRI and the state government, had commenced ring vaccination of animals within the affected area.
Highlighting the government’s broader policy direction, Dr. Adedoyin stated, “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 also emphasized the need for timely disease reporting, saying, “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.”
Similarly, Dr. Hussain Ularamu, Head of the NVRI Foot and Mouth Disease Division, stressed the importance of data and surveillance. “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,” he said.
Ularamu reaffirmed NVRI’s commitment to providing technical support, adding that the institute continues to lead in vaccine production, diagnostics, and capacity building in partnership with states and communities. “Our collaboration ensures that science directly benefits the people,” he noted.
During the mission, the team also held sensitisation meetings with herders, livestock owners, and community leaders, educating them on biosecurity, hygiene, and vaccination best practices.
The Farm Manager of Mallam Alu Agro-Allied Company Limited, Isa Mohammed Gadama, expressed appreciation for the government’s intervention, saying, “The Ministry’s swift response and engagement have opened our eyes to better management practices. We are now more determined to report cases early and keep our herds healthy.”
The Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association in Birnin Kudu, Adamu Kankau, echoed this sentiment, adding, “We are grateful for the government’s quick action. This visit has brought relief and knowledge. We will continue to cooperate with veterinary officers to protect our herds.”
At the end of the visit, the Jigawa State Government, represented by the pioneer Commissioner for Livestock Development, Professor Salem Abdurrahman, pledged to develop an annual vaccination plan for FMD and submit regular disease surveillance reports to the Ministry, a move expected to strengthen early detection and rapid response mechanisms.
The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development reaffirmed that the containment effort reflects the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to livestock health, food security, and economic resilience through sustainable animal disease control.
