Nigeria Targets Eradication of Sheep and Goat Disease by 2030

The Federal Government of Nigeria aims to eradicate Peste des Petits Ruminants, a viral disease affecting sheep and goats, by 2030 ^[1].

This initiative is critical for the protection of the national livestock sector and the maintenance of food security. The disease is highly contagious and devastating to small ruminants, posing a significant threat to the livelihoods of farmers and the availability of protein sources.

To achieve this goal, the government will implement a strategy centered on intensified surveillance and widespread vaccination ^[1]. These efforts are designed to stop the transmission of the virus and protect existing herds from outbreaks. Because livestock often move across national boundaries, the plan also emphasizes the need for cross-border collaboration ^[1].

Officials said the drive will focus on identifying infected animals quickly and deploying vaccines to create a barrier against the spread of the virus. The strategy aligns with broader goals to modernize the agricultural sector and reduce economic losses caused by animal epidemics ^[1].

By targeting the year 2030 ^[1], the government has set a timeline to transition from reactive disease management to full eradication. This process involves coordinating with regional partners to ensure that the disease does not re-enter the country after being eliminated locally ^[1].

Success in this effort depends on the ability of the state to reach remote grazing areas and maintain consistent veterinary oversight. The government said the integration of surveillance and vaccination is the primary path toward securing the livestock industry against this specific viral threat ^[1].