Livestock farmers in Ondo State have been urged to immediately vaccinate their animals following an outbreak of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), a highly contagious viral disease affecting sheep and goats.
The warning was issued by veterinary authorities and livestock experts who expressed concern over the spread of the disease, which poses a significant threat to animal health, rural livelihoods and food security. The outbreak has raised fears of substantial economic losses for farmers if urgent preventive measures are not taken.
PPR, commonly known as goat plague, primarily affects small ruminants such as goats and sheep. The disease is characterized by symptoms including fever, nasal discharge, mouth sores, diarrhoea, pneumonia and, in severe cases, death. Veterinary experts note that the disease can spread rapidly among unvaccinated animals, particularly in areas where livestock move freely between communities.
Authorities have advised farmers to report suspected cases promptly and avoid moving infected animals to markets or other locations to prevent further transmission. They also emphasized the importance of maintaining proper hygiene in livestock facilities and observing biosecurity measures to reduce the risk of outbreaks.
The development comes as Nigeria continues efforts to strengthen animal health management across the country. According to recent reports, millions of livestock have already been vaccinated nationwide against major animal diseases, including PPR, Foot and Mouth Disease, Anthrax and Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia. These campaigns are aimed at protecting livestock populations and improving agricultural productivity.
Animal health specialists have stressed that vaccination remains the most effective tool for controlling PPR outbreaks. They noted that countries that have maintained consistent vaccination programmes have recorded significant reductions in disease prevalence and livestock losses.
Farmers in Ondo and neighbouring states have therefore been encouraged to cooperate with veterinary officials and participate fully in vaccination exercises to safeguard their herds. Experts warn that failure to act quickly could lead to wider outbreaks, reduced livestock production and financial hardship for farming communities dependent on sheep and goat rearing.
The renewed call for vaccination underscores the critical role of animal health in ensuring food security, supporting rural economies and sustaining the nation’s livestock sector amid growing disease threats. (
