Anthrax and Malnutrition Threaten Nigeria's Dairy and Meat Production

Abuja, Nigeria - Nigeria's ambitions to lead Africa in milk production and achieve meat sufficiency are under significant threat due to recent anthrax outbreaks and widespread cattle malnutrition.

The outbreak of anthrax, a zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, has resulted in the deaths of over 50 cows in Zamfara State. This, combined with the poor nutritional status of cattle from extensive treks in search of food and water, jeopardizes the country's milk and meat supply.

Government Response

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, via Ben Bem Goong, has officially confirmed the outbreak and emphasized the need for heightened vigilance and proactive measures. Despite government assurances, experts criticize the porous nature of Nigeria’s borders and the low awareness of cattle farmers and butchers about the disease.

Nutritional Challenges

Malnutrition due to inadequate feeding and lack of vaccination further threatens the sector, with Nigeria only meeting about 40% of its dairy demand domestically. Modernizing herd management and emphasizing ranching could alleviate some of these issues, experts suggest.

Economic Implications

During a speech at Nestlé Nigukhtar Idi Maiha, the immense potential of Nigeria's dairy sector was highlighted, with commitment from the government to invest through foreign partnerships.

Future Prospects

The initiative aims to boost local dairy production and reduce reliance on imports through modern farming practices and enhanced local farmer capacity. This includes integrating climate-smart practices, improving breeds, and enhancing local farmer training.

The collaborative model with private sector stakeholders like Nestlé Nigeria aims to turn projects like this into skill centers, ultimately bridging the gap in dairy management capacity in Nigeria’s livestock sector.