By Chinyere Anyanwu [email protected]
In response to the recent outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in the Republic of Benin, the Federal Government has called on pig farmers across Nigeria to heighten surveillance efforts to safeguard the nation’s pig farming industry. ASF, a highly contagious transboundary animal disease, poses a significant threat to both the agricultural economy and food security, as it leads to devastating losses in livestock. The disease, caused by the African swine fever virus (ASFV), while harmless to humans, is deadly to pigs and can wipe out entire herds.
With growing concerns about the possible introduction of the virus into Nigeria, authorities are urging immediate and vigilant action to prevent an outbreak that could cripple the nation’s pig farming sector.
In 2020, Nigeria witnessed 50 confirmed ASF outbreaks across 12 states, with farmers forced to slaughter hundreds of thousands of pigs in a desperate attempt to contain the disease. Notably, Oke Aro Farm in Lagos, one of the country’s largest pig farms, lost over 300,000 pigs, with an additional 500,000 culled nationwide. The disease’s resurgence in neighboring Benin, where 200 pigs have already succumbed to the virus in the Borgou region, heightens the risk of cross-border transmission.
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has urged all stakeholders to intensify protective measures, ensuring continuous monitoring and swift response to any signs of ASF. Swine producers and veterinarians have been advised to maintain a state of heightened readiness to tackle any potential outbreaks.
Professor Abiodun Adeloye, former Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Ilorin, emphasized the need for robust, scientifically proven measures to control the spread of ASF. He advocated for stronger partnerships with customs authorities at points of entry, increased inspections of passengers and goods arriving from affected areas, and tighter restrictions on imports of pork products. “Surveillance should extend beyond large farms to include individuals keeping smaller herds and even bands of free-roaming pigs, as these could become vectors of the virus,” he noted.
The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), launched a global initiative in 2020 aimed at controlling ASF. This initiative brings together governments, industry stakeholders, and experts to support efforts in curbing the spread of this devastating disease. Cross-border trade, the movement of people, and economic and conflict-related migration have all been identified as key factors contributing to the virus’s spread across West Africa.