FG Ramps Up Fight Against Deadly Sheep and Goat Disease Threatening Livestock Sector

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has intensified efforts to tackle Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), a viral disease devastating sheep and goats across Nigeria. The move aims to safeguard livestock health, protect rural livelihoods, and boost national food security.

Stakeholders met in Abuja for a two-day technical session on March 17, 2026, reviewing strategies to manage PPR and other livestock diseases. Experts stressed the need for data-driven interventions to guide government planning and targeted control measures.

Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, Samuel Anzaku, described the meeting as a critical step toward understanding and managing animal disease burden nationwide. “This meeting provides an opportunity to evaluate the impact of animal diseases in Nigeria. By establishing reliable databases, we can guide targeted interventions and inform government planning,” he said.

Patience Tomoh, Director of Veterinary Medicine and National Focal Person for PPR, highlighted the far-reaching consequences of the disease on rural livelihoods, food supply, and livestock trade. “PPR has significant effects on smallholder livelihoods, food security, and livestock trade,” she noted.

International experts also weighed in. Gemma Chaters, a technical advisor from Lancaster University, said research efforts are focused on assessing the full economic and social impact of PPR on Nigeria’s livestock sector. “Understanding the full impact of PPR on livelihoods and the economy is essential. The meeting will provide the data needed for evidence-based control programs and to prioritise areas with the highest disease burden,” she stated.

The ministry affirmed that the meeting’s outcomes would inform national policies, strengthen disease surveillance, and support effective interventions to protect small ruminants across the country.