The Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) has handed over a newly commissioned facility in Ogun to strengthen quarantine services and curb the spread of transboundary animal diseases through improved livestock movement control.

The Animal Resting and Quarantine Facility, located in Imeko-Afon, was handed over to the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) for operation and management.

Adams Ishiaku, national communications and ICT specialist, L-PRES, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Thursday in Abuja.

Mr Ishiaku said the facility was part of L-PRES investments in animal health services, livestock infrastructure and livestock movement management.

He explained that the facility provided a holding area where animals in transit could rest, access water and undergo mandatory veterinary inspection before continuing their journey.

He added that animals requiring further clinical attention could be examined and quarantined where necessary.

Mr Ishiaku said trained quarantine officers would be responsible for the facility’s day-to-day operations and management of its physical and digital systems.

He said the facility was equipped with digital tools for recording livestock movement, monitoring operations and tracking infrastructure and other assets.

He said the facility’s digital route and movement guide provided information on livestock movement between the facility and established livestock corridors.

According to him, the platform showed connections to national livestock route corridors, primary stock routes and local livestock movement paths.

He said the system also provided herders and livestock traders with information on available routes and resting points.

Mr Ishiaku said the digital system enabled officers to monitor the condition and use of infrastructure and other assets at the facility. 

(NAN)