Abia, FG Strengthen Fight Against Livestock Diseases

The Abia State Government has entered into a strategic partnership with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD) to strengthen efforts to control tsetse flies and other trans-boundary pests threatening livestock production and agricultural productivity.

The collaboration forms part of a nationwide surveillance and pest control programme designed to reduce the spread of trypanosomiasis, a disease transmitted by tsetse flies that affects both humans and livestock and poses a major challenge to Nigeria's livestock industry.

The initiative was announced on Monday when a delegation from the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, led by the Project Lead for the Tsetse Fly Surveillance and Control Project, Mr. Gilbert Okoro, paid a courtesy visit to the Abia State Ministry of Agriculture in Umuahia.

Welcoming the delegation, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbeze, represented by the ministry's Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Adamma Aguwa, described the collaboration as another milestone in the efforts of both the federal and state governments to improve agricultural productivity.

He said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to tackling pests that threaten livestock production and reduce crop yields, while creating a healthier environment for farmers and rural communities.

According to him, officials of the ministry have been assigned to work closely with the federal team throughout the implementation of the surveillance and control exercise.

"The visit further strengthens the collaboration between the Federal Government and Abia State in addressing pests that negatively impact livestock and agricultural production," the commissioner said.

He added that the initiative would contribute significantly to efforts aimed at improving food security and increasing agricultural output in the state.

Speaking during the visit, Gilbert Okoro explained that the project is specifically designed to combat trans-boundary animal pests, particularly the tsetse fly, which remains one of the most destructive vectors affecting livestock production in sub-Saharan Africa.

According to him, the insect transmits trypanosomiasis, a parasitic disease that affects cattle and can also infect humans.

"The tsetse fly, an animal pest of cattle, transmits trypanosomiasis, which causes sleeping sickness in humans and cattle," Okoro said.

He noted that beyond causing illness, the disease significantly reduces milk production, affects meat quality and weakens livestock, resulting in substantial economic losses for farmers.

Okoro said the surveillance programme aligns with the World Health Organisation's (WHO) One Health Initiative, a global approach that recognises the close relationship between human health, animal health and environmental sustainability.

According to him, reducing the prevalence of tsetse flies will not only improve livestock productivity but also enhance farmers' livelihoods, strengthen food security and minimise health risks associated with zoonotic diseases.

The federal team disclosed that the surveillance and control exercise would cover the three senatorial districts of Abia State.

Field operations are expected to take place in:

Aba – Abia South Senatorial District

Umuahia – Abia Central Senatorial District

Lokpanta – Abia North Senatorial District

Okoro explained that the project is being implemented sequentially across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones.

He noted that operations have already been completed in the North-East, while Abia was selected to represent the South-East geopolitical zone.

Following activities in Abia, the project team is expected to move to Akwa Ibom State, which will serve as the implementation state for the South-South region.

Following the meeting, members of the federal delegation proceeded to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Umudike, where they held further consultations ahead of the commencement of field operations in Umudike and other parts of Abia State.