By Atoyebi Nike
The Federal Government has dispatched an eight-member rapid response team to Birnin Kudu Local Government Area of Jigawa State to contain an outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease on a commercial farm and curb further spread across the region.
The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development announced the intervention in a statement by Ben Bem Goong, Director of Press and Public Relations. The team was led by Dr. Adeniyi Adedoyin, Director of the Project Coordinating Unit and Coordinator of the National Programme for the Control of Foot and Mouth Disease. It included veterinary experts from the Ministry and the National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom. They were supported by Jigawa State livestock officers, Miyetti Allah representatives, and community animal health workers.
The team inspected the affected Mallam Alu Agro-Allied Company farm, where 34 animals showed symptoms of the disease and six died. Samples were collected for laboratory analysis, and ring vaccination began immediately to stop the spread.
Dr. Adedoyin said the campaign reflects the government’s commitment to protecting the livestock sector, noting that Foot and Mouth Disease is one of the most economically damaging animal diseases. He stressed the importance of regular vaccination every six months, in line with the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy and the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He urged farmers to report suspicious symptoms quickly to state veterinary authorities to enable a swift response. Dr. Hussain Ularamu of NVRI, who joined the mission, highlighted the role of accurate reporting and record-keeping in national disease surveillance, encouraging farmers to maintain proper health records for their herds.
During the visit, the team met with livestock owners, herders, and community leaders to discuss biosecurity, hygiene, and vaccination schedules. Farm Manager Isa Mohammed Gadama praised the Ministry’s quick intervention, while Miyetti Allah chairman Adamu Kankau pledged the association’s cooperation to protect herds.
Foot and Mouth Disease is highly contagious and spreads through contact with infected animals, contaminated materials, or air droplets. It causes blisters, excessive salivation, lameness, and reduced productivity, leading to severe economic losses.
