The Lagos State Government has intensified its biosecurity measures and support for pig farmers as part of a targeted effort to safeguard the local livestock industry from a global surge in animal diseases, especially African Swine Fever (ASF) and E. coli infections.
With the Federal Government having already abolished open grazing of cattle nationwide, Lagos is now turning its attention to the pig sector.
The move comes in the wake of international reports confirming the widening geographical spread and growing severity of these pathogens across several continents.
ASF continues to pose a persistent and devastating threat to pig farmers.
Through its Livestock and Veterinary Services Department, the Lagos State Government has implemented a multi-pronged strategy focused on prevention, containment, and farmer support.
Regular training sessions and seminars are being held to educate farmers on the risks posed by the virus.
Farm visits are complemented by routine fumigation and de-infestation of pig holdings across the state to reduce the likelihood of outbreaks.
Ms Abisola Olusanya, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, stressed the need for vigilance in light of global trends.
“The evidence from the international arena on the escalating cases of African Swine Fever and other livestock-related illnesses like E. coli is a clear call to action. We cannot afford to be complacent”.
“Our goal is to create a resilient and secure pig industry, which is why we continue to collaborate closely with pig farmers to uphold the strictest biosecurity standards,” she said.
In the event of an outbreak, Lagos has established a rigorous response plan.
This includes assessing and identifying affected farms, depopulating infected herds, and enforcing a rest period for contaminated sites.
Sensitisation campaigns have also been intensified, particularly around the risks of farm-to-farm movement, to minimise cross-contamination.
These include biannual distributions of essential supplies, such as chemicals, motorised and nasal sprayers, masks and boots.
In response to previous outbreaks, Lagos provided 1,200 exotic piglets to 400 farmers as replacement stock.
To help cushion rising production costs, the state has delivered 16 trucks of 30-tonne grains to more than 3,000 pig farmers, with another grain distribution round scheduled soon.
Ms Olusanya also reiterated the state’s long-term vision for a more sustainable pig sector.
“We are ensuring that all pigs are sourced from reputable and verified suppliers and requiring farmers to maintain accurate farm records for traceability. We are also encouraging them to take out insurance to mitigate financial risks”.
“These measures are not merely reactive; they are foundational to the sustainability and future success of pig farming as a vital part of Lagos State’s food security strategy.”
The threat of ASF is not limited to Nigeria. The disease remains endemic in more than 50 countries across Africa, Europe, Asia and the Pacific.
In response, leading global experts recently convened at the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) headquarters in Rome to assess the crisis.
The event, co-organised by FAO and the Global African Swine Fever Research Alliance (GARA), brought together stakeholders to share research, address knowledge gaps, and strengthen international cooperation.
During the three-day meeting, participants pledged renewed commitment to expanding research partnerships, refining control strategies, supporting vulnerable nations, and promoting innovation to protect livelihoods and biodiversity.
FAO Assistant Director-General Thanawat Tiensin emphasised the urgency, stating: “The ongoing threat of African Swine Fever underscores the critical need for sustained international collaboration and innovation in disease prevention and control.
We need updated, science-based strategies and tools to protect not only the global pork industry but also the millions of people, especially in rural communities, who depend on it for income and food security.”
Source: The Nation Online
Image Credit: P.I.A.D.C
