The Federal Government has raised concern over the growing spread of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) across Nigeria, revealing that the livestock disease has now affected more than 17 states with at least 131 confirmed outbreaks recorded nationwide.
Officials say the highly contagious bacterial disease, which affects cattle, poses a serious threat to the country’s livestock sector and could significantly impact food security and rural livelihoods if not urgently contained. Veterinary authorities have therefore intensified surveillance, vaccination campaigns, and public awareness efforts aimed at preventing further transmission.
According to government reports, CBPP spreads primarily through close contact between infected and healthy cattle, often within grazing fields, livestock markets, and during cattle transportation across state borders. Symptoms commonly include severe respiratory distress, coughing, fever, and reduced productivity in affected animals.
Agriculture and veterinary experts warn that uncontrolled outbreaks could lead to major economic losses for pastoralists and cattle farmers, as infected herds may suffer high mortality rates and restrictions on livestock trade. Authorities are urging farmers, herders, and livestock traders to report suspected cases immediately and comply with disease control guidelines issued by veterinary services.
The Federal Government has also called for stronger collaboration between state governments, veterinary institutions, and livestock stakeholders to contain the outbreak and safeguard Nigeria’s cattle industry from further spread of the disease.
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