The Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), has called for strengthened measures to prevent the spread of Avian Influenza through effective control of animal movement, strict adherence to biosecurity protocols, enhanced surveillance and improved stakeholder collaboration across the poultry value chain.
The call was made by the Head of the Department of Animal Health and Reproductive Services and National Programme Coordinator of the Avian Influenza Control Programme, Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr. Mitchell Alao, while speaking on behalf of the Federal Government at a workshop on Strengthening the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), held in Keffi, Nasarawa State, on Thursday, October 22, 2026.
Dr. Alao explained that the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service plays a critical role in controlling the movement of animals during Avian Influenza outbreaks, noting that effective movement restrictions are essential to preventing infected birds from spreading the disease to unaffected locations.
He identified disease surveillance, effective risk communication and sustained engagement with stakeholders across the poultry value chain as key measures for containing outbreaks, stressing that animal movement control remains central to preventing further transmission.
“The idea is to keep the disease in the location where it has occurred. It is basically like covering something with a blanket so that what is covered does not escape. The Quarantine Service is there to ensure that affected birds are not moved out of locations where an outbreak has occurred,” Dr. Alao explained.
The Director emphasised the need to build institutional capacity and strengthen collaboration with relevant security agencies and government institutions, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Nigeria Police Force, state governments and local government authorities. He noted that such partnerships would enhance regulatory compliance, improve enforcement and support a coordinated response to Avian Influenza outbreaks across the country.
Dr. Alao further disclosed that the US$350,000 intervention grant provided by FAO through its Technical Cooperation Programme for Emergencies to support Avian Influenza control in Nigeria is expected to end in April 2027.
In his presentation, the FAO Country Team Lead for Livestock in Nigeria, Dr. Otto Vianney, disclosed that the organisation had developed a digital tool for collecting data on animal movement globally, describing the initiative as a means of improving the monitoring and tracking of animal movements.
Dr. Vianney explained that the workshop was designed to assess the extent to which animal movement contributes to the spread of animal diseases in Nigeria, while strengthening public awareness, community education and understanding of preventive measures.
He also outlined the four pillars of the Good Emergency Management Practices (GEMP) Framework as prevention and preparedness; early detection and early response; eradication and recovery; and coordination and communication. He noted that these pillars provide a structured approach to managing animal health emergencies and reducing the impact of disease outbreaks.
Also speaking, the Zonal Commander, North Central, Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service, Dr. David Shehu, said strengthening the control, monitoring and surveillance of poultry transportation was not intended to restrict trade, but to protect investments, safeguard national food safety, sustain the supply of essential animal products to millions of households and preserve jobs across urban and rural communities.
Dr. Shehu identified key priorities for maintaining a productive and profitable poultry sector to include strict enforcement of biosecurity measures during animal movement, proper documentation, regular updating of designated control posts, prevention of illegal and unregulated animal transportation, promotion of public-private partnerships, shared responsibility, technology integration and strict compliance with existing regulations.
He, however, highlighted challenges confronting the Agency, including porous alternative routes, poor compliance with regulations, inadequate infrastructure and the risks associated with the transportation of live animals.
A major highlight of the workshop was an inspection visit to the Garuku Toll Gate along the Akwanga Road in Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, to assess animal movement procedures and the effectiveness of existing monitoring and control measures.
During the exercise, NAQS officers inspected three vehicles transporting livestock. The first vehicle was conveying nine cattle from Lafia, while the second truck was transporting a mixed consignment of cattle, goats, sheep and poultry. Temperatures of 35.9°C and 34.7°C were recorded during the inspection.
The third truck was conveying 35 cattle from Adamawa State to Warri, Delta State, with a valid animal movement permit.
Following the inspection, Dr. Vianney urged NAQS officers to be more proactive in carrying out their responsibilities, emphasising that effective monitoring, surveillance and control of animal movement were essential to preventing the spread of transboundary animal diseases and protecting Nigeria’s livestock industry.
The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development reiterated the importance of sustained collaboration among government agencies, development partners, security institutions, livestock farmers, transporters and other stakeholders in strengthening animal disease prevention and control systems, safeguarding livelihoods and promoting a resilient and productive livestock sector in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s livestock industry.
OGOCHUKWU CYNTHIA
For: Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations Department
23 October 2026
