A Federal Ministry of Livestock team led by Dr. Adeniyi Adedoyin, a Director at the Ministry, has commenced a vaccination exercise in Jigawa State following the confirmation of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in several herds across affected communities.
The exercise, conducted in collaboration with Jigawa State animal health officers, follows the detection of symptoms in 34 animals, with six already confirmed dead.
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Dr. Adedoyin described foot-and-mouth disease as one of the most contagious and economically devastating animal diseases, capable of spreading rapidly through blood, saliva, milk, air, and contaminated feed or equipment.
He explained that infected animals typically show swelling or blisters in the mouth and on the feet, excessive salivation, and loss of appetite, which lead to weight loss, lameness, and reduced milk production.
“This outbreak poses a serious threat to livestock productivity and the livelihoods of farmers and herders,” Dr. Adedoyin said. “Our immediate focus is to contain the spread through prompt vaccination and awareness among livestock owners.”
Foot-and-mouth disease primarily affects cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs, and though it rarely infects humans, it can cripple livestock trade and production.
Dr. Adedoyin urged farmers to report suspected cases promptly and avoid moving animals from affected areas to prevent further spread, assuring that the Ministry remains committed to strengthening animal health surveillance and response systems across Nigeria.
