Federal Government Launches Multi-State Campaign to Combat Tsetse-Borne Diseases
The Federal Government of Nigeria has initiated a comprehensive, multi-state campaign targeting the persistent threat of tsetse fly infestation and the diseases they transmit. The coordinated effort is being rolled out across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kogi, and Ogun States, aiming to safeguard national livestock and public health.
The campaign, launched by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, employs an integrated strategy that includes surveillance, community engagement, and targeted vector control measures. Field operations involve the strategic placement of biconical traps to monitor tsetse fly prevalence, fumigation of high-risk zones, and the application of insecticides on livestock and breeding grounds. Additionally, extensive sensitization of pastoral communities is being undertaken to raise awareness and promote participation in control efforts.
In the FCT, operations at the Paikon Kore Grazing Reserve, which supports over 15,000 cattle, are focusing on epidemiological assessment with traps placed at 500-meter intervals to gather data for precise interventions. Dr. Ozoemena Uche, Deputy Director and FCT Coordinator of the Federal Epidemiology Unit, highlighted the broader health implications, stating, “Tsetse flies transmit trypanosomiasis, which affects both animals and humans. Our goal is to reduce its impact on livestock productivity and prevent associated public health risks.”
Tsetse-borne diseases, such as Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT), also known as sleeping sickness, pose a significant threat to both human and animal health. HAT is a parasitic disease transmitted through the bite of an infected tsetse fly and is fatal if left untreated. African Animal Trypanosomiasis (AAT), or nagana, significantly impacts livestock development, causing substantial economic losses and deaths in cattle annually. The disease affects millions of people and tens of millions of cattle across 36 sub-Saharan African countries, resulting in annual economic losses estimated at billions of dollars.
This multi-state intervention, conducted from April 20th to April 24th, 2026, underscores the nation's commitment to protecting livestock, securing rural livelihoods, and enhancing public health outcomes. The campaign aligns with the federal government's “One Health Approach,” which emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
The campaign, launched by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, employs an integrated strategy that includes surveillance, community engagement, and targeted vector control measures. Field operations involve the strategic placement of biconical traps to monitor tsetse fly prevalence, fumigation of high-risk zones, and the application of insecticides on livestock and breeding grounds. Additionally, extensive sensitization of pastoral communities is being undertaken to raise awareness and promote participation in control efforts.
In the FCT, operations at the Paikon Kore Grazing Reserve, which supports over 15,000 cattle, are focusing on epidemiological assessment with traps placed at 500-meter intervals to gather data for precise interventions. Dr. Ozoemena Uche, Deputy Director and FCT Coordinator of the Federal Epidemiology Unit, highlighted the broader health implications, stating, “Tsetse flies transmit trypanosomiasis, which affects both animals and humans. Our goal is to reduce its impact on livestock productivity and prevent associated public health risks.”
Tsetse-borne diseases, such as Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT), also known as sleeping sickness, pose a significant threat to both human and animal health. HAT is a parasitic disease transmitted through the bite of an infected tsetse fly and is fatal if left untreated. African Animal Trypanosomiasis (AAT), or nagana, significantly impacts livestock development, causing substantial economic losses and deaths in cattle annually. The disease affects millions of people and tens of millions of cattle across 36 sub-Saharan African countries, resulting in annual economic losses estimated at billions of dollars.
This multi-state intervention, conducted from April 20th to April 24th, 2026, underscores the nation's commitment to protecting livestock, securing rural livelihoods, and enhancing public health outcomes. The campaign aligns with the federal government's “One Health Approach,” which emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
This article and image are AI generated. For informational purposes only.