Abia partners Federal Ministry of Livestock on pest control

Abia State is set to partner with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD) in a crucial initiative to combat tsetse flies and other pests that threaten the region's agricultural productivity. The collaboration aims to significantly reduce the impact of these pests on both livestock and crop yields, thereby bolstering overall agricultural output in the state and the nation.

Commissioner for Agriculture, Cliff Agbeze, announced the partnership during a visit from an FMLD team led by Gilbert Okoro. Agbeze, represented by Permanent Secretary Adamma Aguwa, emphasized that the joint effort demonstrates a clear plan to enhance agricultural output. Ministry staff are prepared to assist the FMLD team in executing surveillance and control projects across designated sites.

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The tsetse fly, an animal pest of cattle, transmits trypanosomiasis, which causes sleeping sickness in humans and cattle.

Gilbert Okoro, leading the FMLD’s Tsetse Fly Surveillance and Control Project, explained that the operation is designed to curb trans-boundary pests, particularly the tsetse fly. This pest is notorious for transmitting trypanosomiasis, a disease that severely affects cattle and can also impact human health, reducing milk and meat quality in cows and causing other health issues in people.

Okoro highlighted that the project aligns with the World Health Organization’s “One Health Initiative.” This global strategy aims to improve the health of farmers, increase crop and livestock yields, and protect the environment. The project, which spans Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, will target Abia’s three senatorial districts: Aba for Abia South, Umuahia for Abia Central, and Lokpanta for Abia North. Abia represents the South-east zone, with subsequent phases planned for Akwa Ibom in the South-south zone.

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The project has already been carried out in the North-east zone. Abia is representing the South-east zone. The team will be moving from Abia to Akwa Ibom, which was chosen for the South-south zone.