FG Tackles Deadly Cattle Disease, Inaugurates Technical Group

The federal government has inaugurated a Technical Working Group (TWG) to curb the spread of Contagious Bovine Pleuro-Pneumonia (CBPP), a livestock disease threatening Nigeria’s cattle industry and food security.

Minister of Livestock Development, Dr. Idi Mukhtar Maiha, who inaugurated the group yesterday in Abuja, said the disease remains endemic and continues to undermine efforts to build a productive and competitive livestock sector.

He disclosed that Nigeria, with an estimated 54.5 million cattle, faces a growing animal health burden, noting that at least 17 states across the six geopolitical zones recorded outbreaks in 2025.

According to him, 131 outbreaks have been officially documented, although the actual figure may be higher due to gaps in surveillance, reporting, and diagnostic systems.

“The current epidemiological situation underscores the urgency for coordinated action. CBPP is not only entrenched in our production systems but also sustained by structural challenges that must be addressed decisively,” Maiha said.

He identified unregulated livestock movement, poor vaccination coverage, and weak early detection systems as key drivers of the disease’s spread, warning that failure to act could result in persistent outbreaks and economic losses for farmers.

The minister added that the impact of CBPP extends beyond animal health, affecting rural livelihoods, national food security, and Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and global livestock trade.

Maiha said the newly inaugurated TWG would provide strategic direction for a national control framework, strengthen surveillance, improve vaccination programmes, and modernise diagnostic systems.

He stressed that the body is expected to move beyond routine advisory roles and deliver implementable solutions, while also deepening engagement with livestock owners and other stakeholders.

“Sustainable progress will depend on stronger coordination across federal and state levels, collaboration with the private sector, and partnerships with regional and international organisations,” he added.

Permanent secretary in the ministry, Dr Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, described CBPP as a major challenge confronting livestock farmers, expressing optimism that the technical group would drive efforts to control and eventually eradicate the disease.

Also speaking, the Country Representative of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr. Laximikant Chavan, called for strengthened surveillance systems and alignment with national disease control frameworks.
He reaffirmed the organisation’s support for Nigeria’s efforts to combat the disease.

Other stakeholders, including representatives of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), and the Veterinary Council of Nigeria, pledged support for coordinated action to address the outbreak.