Leadway Assurance has urged pig farmers nationwide to strengthen biosecurity measures against African swine fever amid growing concerns over reported outbreaks in parts of Nigeria.

The call was made by Leadway’s global head of Agricultural Risk Solutions, Ayoola Fatona, in a statement issued on Wednesday.

Mr Fatona described ASF as a highly contagious viral disease affecting pigs, spreading rapidly through herds and often causing high mortality and significant financial losses.

He urged insured farmers to maintain strict biosecurity standards and comply with statutory disease control measures as part of responsible farm management practices.

According to him, ASF poses no risk to humans, but currently, there is no approved treatment or commercially available vaccine against the disease.

He stressed that strict biosecurity remained the most effective means of preventing infection and limiting the spread of the disease among livestock.

The company advised farmers to restrict farm access, quarantine newly introduced pigs and strengthen cleaning and disinfection practices across their facilities.

Leadway also urged farmers to monitor livestock for early signs of infection and promptly report suspected cases to veterinary authorities.

Mr Fatona said the outbreak highlighted the importance of proactive risk management in livestock farming and the need for continuous vigilance. He noted that insurance was designed to help farmers recover from unforeseen losses, but prevention remained the company’s foremost objective.

“African swine fever can wipe out entire pig herds within a short period,” Mr Fatona warned, urging farmers to take preventive measures seriously.

He described biosecurity as a critical investment for protecting livelihoods, ensuring business continuity and safeguarding Nigeria’s livestock industry.

“Leadway remains committed to supporting farmers beyond insurance coverage through expert guidance, risk improvement initiatives and continuous engagement,” he said.

Mr Fatona added that the company would continue educational campaigns, radio programmes, webinars, town hall meetings and stakeholder partnerships across farming communities. He said the initiatives were aimed at promoting disease awareness, encouraging preventive action and strengthening resilience within Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

(NAN)