The Federal Government has intensified efforts to eradicate Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) through the implementation of a Performance of Veterinary Services (PVS) Evaluation Mission aimed at strengthening animal health systems and improving disease control mechanisms across the country.
The initiative forms part of ongoing strategies to enhance veterinary capacity, promote effective livestock disease surveillance and support the national drive towards the eradication of transboundary animal diseases affecting small ruminants.
Officials explained that the PVS Evaluation Mission is designed to assess the efficiency of veterinary services, identify existing gaps and recommend measures capable of improving disease prevention, diagnosis, response and overall livestock health management.
The government noted that PPR, a highly contagious viral disease affecting goats and sheep, continues to pose serious threats to livestock productivity, rural livelihoods and food security, particularly among smallholder farmers who depend heavily on small ruminant production.
Stakeholders in the livestock sector stressed the importance of strengthening veterinary infrastructure, expanding vaccination campaigns, enhancing laboratory capacity and improving collaboration among relevant agencies to achieve the global target for PPR eradication.
Experts also emphasised that effective disease control programmes would contribute significantly to reducing economic losses, improving livestock trade opportunities and supporting sustainable agricultural development.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with international development partners, veterinary institutions and livestock stakeholders to build resilient animal health systems capable of protecting the nation’s livestock industry.
The PVS Evaluation Mission is expected to provide critical recommendations that will guide future policies and interventions aimed at improving veterinary service delivery and accelerating progress towards the eradication of PPR in Nigeria.
