The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to eliminate a major disease affecting sheep and goats by 2030 as part of a national effort to improve livestock health, strengthen food security and protect the livelihoods of millions of farmers.
Government officials said the initiative will focus on expanding vaccination campaigns, improving disease surveillance and strengthening veterinary services across the country. The program is expected to involve federal and state authorities as well as livestock owners and development partners.
The disease, commonly known as Peste des Petits Ruminants or PPR, is a highly contagious viral infection that affects sheep and goats. It does not infect humans but can cause severe illness and death in animals, resulting in significant economic losses for livestock farmers.
Officials said eliminating the disease would improve animal health, increase livestock productivity and enhance the availability of meat and other animal products. They noted that healthier livestock can also boost household incomes, particularly in rural communities where animal farming is a major source of livelihood.
The government said the campaign aligns with international efforts to eradicate PPR through coordinated vaccination and disease control measures. Veterinary authorities plan to strengthen monitoring systems to detect outbreaks quickly and respond before the disease spreads to new areas.
Livestock experts welcomed the announcement, saying effective disease control could improve food security and reduce financial losses for farmers. They stressed that sustained vaccination programs, public awareness campaigns and adequate funding will be essential to achieving the 2030 target.
Nigeria has one of Africa’s largest populations of sheep and goats, making the livestock sector an important contributor to rural employment and agricultural production. However, outbreaks of animal diseases continue to affect productivity and reduce farmers’ incomes in many parts of the country.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Organisation for Animal Health have identified PPR as one of the priority animal diseases targeted for global eradication. International experts say eliminating the disease could significantly improve livestock production in Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
Agricultural economists say healthier livestock can strengthen local food systems, increase trade opportunities and support broader economic development. They also note that better veterinary services can help prevent the spread of other animal diseases that threaten agricultural productivity.
The Federal Government said it will continue working with international organizations, veterinary professionals and livestock owners to achieve the 2030 goal. Officials expressed confidence that sustained cooperation, investment and public participation will help Nigeria reduce the impact of the disease and strengthen the country’s livestock industry.
