The Federal Government has raised serious concerns over the rapid spread of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP), revealing that the disease has affected more than 17 states, with 131 outbreaks recorded so far.
Speaking at the inauguration of a Technical Working Group on CBPP elimination in Abuja, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, described the outbreak as a major threat to Nigeria’s livestock sector, warning that it could devastate herds if not urgently contained.
He stressed that despite its severity, the disease can be eradicated through sustained and coordinated efforts. The minister called for stronger surveillance systems, mass vaccination campaigns, and swift response strategies to limit further spread.
Maiha also urged the technical team to develop a comprehensive and effective elimination framework, noting that the economic losses linked to the disease are significant and demand immediate action.
CBPP is a highly contagious respiratory disease affecting cattle and water buffalo, often leading to severe pneumonia, fever, and mortality rates of up to 50 percent. It spreads through close contact, particularly via airborne droplets from infected animals, and remains endemic in several parts of Africa.
Control measures include vaccination, quarantine protocols, and strict regulation of livestock movement to prevent transmission.
