The Federal Government has tasked the Technical Working Group on Contagious Bovine Pleuro-Pneumonia (CBPP) to intensify nationwide vaccination efforts aimed at achieving total eradication of the disease across Nigeria.
CBPP is a bacterial disease of cattle that causes severe pneumonia, is often fatal, and leads to significant livestock production losses in affected regions globally.
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Its outbreaks result in considerable economic losses, threaten food security, safe trade, and present major challenges to cattle production in endemic countries across Africa.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, made the call during the inauguration of the Technical Working Group on CBPP in Abuja.
He said CBPP remained endemic in Nigeria and continued to challenge the country’s aspirations for a productive, resilient and globally competitive livestock sector.
Maiha said with an estimated population of more than 50 million cattle, Nigeria holds one of the largest herds on the African continent.
“This places a significant responsibility on us to ensure that animal health risks are effectively managed.
“The epidemiological situation in 2025 underscores the urgency of this task. Some states have reported outbreaks of CBPP across all geopolitical zones.
“A total of 131 outbreaks have been officially documented, excluding unreported cases,” he said.
The minister described CBPP as one of the most persistent and economically damaging diseases affecting the national economy.
He said the committee would provide strategic direction for changing the trajectory of CBPP control in Nigeria.
“We must make measurable progress in protecting our national herds and advancing food security and economic development.
“The body is expected to guide development of a national control framework, strengthen surveillance, and improve vaccination programmes nationwide.”
He added that the group would also support modernisation of emergency response systems to ensure rapid containment of outbreaks.
Maiha stressed the need for stronger engagement with livestock owners and stakeholders, noting that their cooperation is essential.
He urged the committee to study countries such as Botswana, Zimbabwe and Namibia, which are certified CBPP-free by the World Organisation for Animal Health, and adopt best practices.
“We must recognise that progress will depend on stronger coordination across federal and state structures, collaboration with the private sector, and engagement with international partners.
“Government action alone will not be sufficient,” he said. NAN
