Nigeria deploys team to contain ASF outbreak in Lagos

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has provided technical and operational support to Lagos State following an outbreak of African swine fever, reinforcing the Federal government’s commitment to protecting animal health and safeguarding livelihoods in the livestock sector. A national response team was deployed to coordinate containment measures, including disease surveillance, farm inspections and strengthened biosecurity protocols aimed at limiting further spread among pig farms.

As part of the intervention, disinfection materials were distributed to affected locations while samples were collected for laboratory confirmation at the National Veterinary Research Institute. Officials also conducted forward and backward tracing to identify possible sources of infection and assess the extent of the outbreak.

Engagements with pig farmers and stakeholders were also held to promote early detection, prompt reporting and improved farm level biosecurity. Authorities in Lagos State welcomed the Federal support and called for further assistance to strengthen pig production infrastructure, including improved abattoir facilities, waste disposal systems and enhanced perimeter security at pig farming estates.