In a statement released over the weekend by Ben. Bem Goong, Director of Press and Public Relations, the ministry said the team was led by Dr. Adeniyi Adedoyin, Director of the Project Coordinating Unit and National Programme Coordinator for the Control of FMD. The delegation also included veterinary experts from the Ministry and the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom, Jos, in collaboration with the Jigawa State Livestock Development department.
Upon arrival, the team conducted an assessment at Mallam Alu Agro-Allied Company Limited, where 34 cattle showed symptoms consistent with FMD and six fatalities were recorded. Samples were collected for laboratory analysis to identify the virus strain, while ring vaccination of animals in surrounding communities began immediately.
Dr. Adedoyin emphasised the government’s commitment to disease control through coordinated national action, describing FMD as one of the most economically devastating animal diseases globally.
“This vaccination campaign underscores our collective commitment to protecting farmers’ livelihoods and ensuring food security. Nigeria is FMD-endemic, so we recommend vaccination every six months to maintain herd immunity,” he said.
He also urged farmers to promptly report unusual symptoms to the State Director of Veterinary Services, warning that delays in notification could hinder containment efforts.
Similarly, Dr. Hussain Ularamu, Head of the NVRI Foot and Mouth Disease Division, stressed the importance of accurate disease reporting and record-keeping, noting that digital herd health records would help veterinarians respond faster and plan more targeted interventions.
“Our collaboration with state ministries and communities ensures that science directly benefits livestock owners through improved vaccination and diagnostics,” he added.
As part of the visit, the joint team held a sensitisation session with herders, livestock owners, and community leaders in Birnin Kudu, discussing best practices in hygiene, biosecurity, and vaccination scheduling.
The Farm Manager of Mallam Alu Agro-Allied Company, Isa Mohammed Gadama, commended the government’s swift intervention, describing it as “an eye-opener” for improved herd management. Likewise, the local Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association Chairman, Adamu Kankau, pledged continued cooperation with veterinary authorities to prevent future outbreaks.
FMD is among the most highly contagious animal diseases, spreading through direct animal contact or indirectly via contaminated feed, water, or equipment. It causes blisters on the mouth and hooves, excessive salivation, and loss of appetite, leading to severe drops in milk yield and productivity — and often high mortality among calves.
At the end of the visit, the Jigawa State Government, represented by Professor Salem Abdurrahman, Commissioner for Livestock Development, pledged to develop an annual FMD vaccination plan and submit periodic disease surveillance reports to the Federal Ministry.
The Federal Ministry reaffirmed that the response aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS), which prioritises food security, animal health, and the resilience of Nigeria’s livestock sector.