The Federal Government of Nigeria, in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the capacity of stakeholders in the country's livestock value chain. This effort aims to enhance disease surveillance, prevention, management, and control, with a focus on containing the spread of Avian Influenza. The initiative was highlighted during a joint field assessment at Wuse Market in Abuja.
The Head of the Department of Animal Health and Reproductive Services and National Programme Coordinator of the Avian Influenza Control Programme, Dr. Michel Alao, led the joint field assessment. He emphasized that the exercise was designed to engage stakeholders, particularly poultry traders and other operators in the poultry value chain. The goal was to identify potential disease transmission risks and understand the dynamics of poultry business operations.
The FAO Country Team Lead for Livestock in Nigeria, Dr. Otto Vianney, explained that the market visit aimed to gather critical information on the sources of poultry birds, their transportation routes, movement patterns, and duration of stay at the market. This information will help inform strategies for disease prevention and control. Dr. Vianney reaffirmed the FAO's commitment to supporting Nigeria's livestock development agenda through technical assistance and capacity building.
Poultry traders at Wuse Market expressed satisfaction with the visit, describing it as an important step towards improving awareness and strengthening disease prevention practices within the poultry business. The traders acknowledged the significance of collaboration between the government and stakeholders in preventing the spread of Avian Influenza. The visit also provided an opportunity for traders to share their experiences and challenges.
The initiative underscores the Federal Government's commitment, in partnership with FAO and other stakeholders, to strengthening Nigeria's animal health surveillance architecture. The goal is to promote the One Health approach and build a resilient livestock sector through improved disease preparedness, evidence-based interventions, and effective stakeholder collaboration. This effort aims to mitigate the impact of Avian Influenza on the country's poultry industry.
The collaboration between the Federal Government and FAO has been instrumental in enhancing disease surveillance and control measures in Nigeria's livestock sector. The joint field assessment at Wuse Market is part of a broader strategy to engage stakeholders and gather critical information on disease transmission risks. The FAO's technical assistance and capacity-building efforts have also contributed to improved disease prevention and control practices.
The strengthened measures against Avian Influenza in Nigeria are expected to have a positive impact on the country's poultry industry. The initiative has raised awareness among stakeholders, improved disease prevention practices, and enhanced collaboration between the government and stakeholders. The Federal Government and FAO will continue to work together to build a resilient livestock sector and promote the One Health approach.
Key points
- The Federal Government and FAO are collaborating to strengthen disease surveillance and control measures in Nigeria's livestock sector.
- The initiative aims to contain the spread of Avian Influenza and promote the One Health approach.
- The joint field assessment at Wuse Market is part of a broader strategy to engage stakeholders and gather critical information on disease transmission risks.
