Benefits of animal intervention strategies in the control of neglected zoonotic diseases in Nigeria

Abstract

Nigeria among many other developing countries of Africa, Asia and Latin America still suffers the impact of neglected zoonotic diseases (NZDs) such as rabies, brucellosis, cysticercosis, echinococcosis and other geo-helminths which have been successfully eradicated in industrialized countries. These diseases cause economic bankruptcy among over 70% of Nigerians who live in the rural areas and whose livelihood is dependent on mini-livestock production. In the current review, the employment of animal intervention strategies to control these NZDs through animal vaccination, strategic de-worming, enactment and re-enforcement of legislations and policies on NZDs control, efficient veterinary meat inspection, public education and depopulation as a last option are discussed. The benefits of animal intervention strategies are affordability, safety to animals and the general public as well as improvement of national economy.