The operations of quarantine stations and the impact on animal disease prevention and control in Lagos State, south west, Nigeria

Abstract

Nigeria is considered to have one of the highest burdens of endemic diseases globally and an annual incursion of highly contagious transboundary animal diseases in Africa. The entry points of diseases into the country includes: airports, seaports and land borders. The study was conducted in Lagos, southwest geopolitical zone to evaluate the operations of the quarantine stations, namely: Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Apapa Seaport and Tincan Island Seaport. The stations were evaluated based on procedures and licenses, check operations, reporting and documentation, animal traceability and facility. Validated questionnaires and score sheets prepared according to the OIE standard were used for data collection. The stations were identified as A, B and C, respectively, in order to conduct blinded data analysis. Overall, Station A had 41.9 % of the total marks obtainable by the station. Station B had 26.3 %, while Station C had 45.5 % standard compliance score. Overall, low proportions (10 %) of the respondents are veterinarians, with 67 and 23 % of these having Bachelor of Science Degree in agricultural and non-agricultural related qualification respectively. The study established that facilities and equipment available at each station was found to be below the international standard while none of the stations has an onsite diagnostic laboratory. Inadequate man power, facilities, vet professionals, and equipment are observed to be the reasons for inefficiency. Government, organizations and administrative officers involved in animal quarantine need to improve on the procedures, operations and facilities at these stations to prevent animal disease incursion.