A five-year survey of African swine fever outbreaks in Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

Reported here is a five-year account of outbreaks of African swine fever (ASF) in Plateau state, which devastated swine production and almost threw the whole pig induatry of the state in total disarray. Although veterinary authorities from 15 local government areas (LGA) of the state kreported the lsuspicion of the ldiseas, confirmation by laboratory test was obtained only from 8 LGA.s namely: Jos-North, Jos-South, Mangu, Pankshin, Langtang North, LantangSouth, Shendam and quaan-pan, representing all the three zones of the state (Northern, central and southern zones). Since its initial outbreak in 1999, the disease; has remained enzootic in the state. A control programme ,involving improved management, major surveillance operation, heightened public awareness and a market value compensation scheme for slaughtered pigs is suggested.