ANIMAL DISEASES (CONTROL) ACT
Act · Agriculture
An Act empowers the Federal Government to control and prevent animal diseases in Nigeria through measures like quarantine, slaughter, and movement restrictions. It targets livestock farmers, animal traders, veterinary officers, importers, and state agencies. This protects livestock health and ensures food security for Nigerians.
ANIMAL DISEASES (CONTROL) ACT
What Is This Policy?
An Act empowering the Federal Government to control, prevent, and eradicate animal diseases in Nigeria, including the power to order quarantine, slaughter, and movement restrictions on animals.
Who Does It Target?
Livestock farmers and animal traders Veterinary officers and the Federal Department of Veterinary and Pest Control Services Importers of animals and animal products State livestock agencies
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Prevent the introduction and spread of dangerous animal diseases that threaten livestock health, food security, and the livelihoods of Nigerian farmers.
Key Features
Disease Reporting: Farmers and veterinarians must report suspected outbreaks of scheduled diseases to authorities. Movement Restrictions: Government may impose movement restrictions on animals from disease-affected areas. Compulsory Slaughter: Animals confirmed to have scheduled diseases may be compulsorily slaughtered with compensation. Quarantine: Premises may be placed under quarantine to contain disease outbreaks.
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: Nationwide livestock sector Beneficiaries: Farmers; food security; animal health Funding: Federal Government
How to Access
Report suspected animal disease outbreaks to veterinary authorities immediately Comply with movement restrictions and quarantine orders Import animals only with valid health certificates from country of origin Application method: Report animal disease outbreaks to Federal Department of Veterinary and Pest Control Services or nearest veterinary office.
Important Terms
Failure to report a scheduled disease is an offence Compensation for compulsorily slaughtered animals is based on market value at time of slaughter Movement of animals from quarantined areas is illegal
Official Resources
Website: https://www.fmard.gov.ng Contact: Federal Ministry of Agriculture — Department of Veterinary and Pest Control Services
Legal Framework
Enacted under the legislative powers of the National Assembly as the Animal Diseases (Control) Act (Cap A17 LFN 2004). Operates alongside the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service (Establishment, etc.) Act, the NAFDAC Act for veterinary medicines and biologics, the National Livestock Policy, and Nigeria's obligations under the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH/OIE) Terrestrial Animal Health Code. Aligns with the ECOWAS Regional Livestock Policy.