By Kehinde Ibrahim, Lagos
PIG farmers across Nigeria have been urged to strengthen disease prevention measures following renewed concerns over the spread of African Swine Fever ,ASF, a highly contagious viral disease that continues to threaten livestock production and farmers’ livelihoods.
Leadway Assurance warned that with no approved treatment or commercially available vaccine for ASF, strict biosecurity remains the most effective safeguard against outbreaks capable of wiping out entire pig herds and inflicting significant financial losses on farmers.
The insurer’s warning comes amid growing concerns over reported cases of African Swine Fever in parts of the country, raising fears of wider transmission if preventive measures are not strengthened. Although the disease does not pose a threat to human health, it spreads rapidly among pigs through direct contact, contaminated equipment, feed, clothing and vehicles, making farm-level prevention critical to containing outbreaks.
To help farmers minimise the risk of infection, Leadway issued a comprehensive advisory outlining key biosecurity practices. The company advised farmers to restrict access to their farms, quarantine newly acquired pigs before introducing them into existing herds, enforce strict cleaning and disinfection procedures, regularly monitor livestock for symptoms of disease and promptly notify veterinary authorities of any suspected cases.
Speaking on the importance of preventive measures, the Global Head of Agricultural Risk Solutions at Leadway Assurance, Ayoola Fatona, said disease outbreaks such as African Swine Fever underscore the need for farmers to place greater emphasis on risk management alongside insurance protection.
According to him, while insurance provides financial support when unexpected losses occur, preventing disease outbreaks remains the most effective strategy for protecting investments in livestock production.
“Insurance is designed to help farmers recover from unforeseen losses, but our first priority is helping them avoid those losses altogether. African Swine Fever has the potential to wipe out entire herds within a short period, which is why prevention cannot be treated as an afterthought. Strengthening farm biosecurity today is one of the most important investments pig farmers can make in protecting their livelihoods, preserving business continuity and safeguarding Nigeria’s livestock industry,” Fatona said.
He added that Leadway’s role extends beyond underwriting agricultural risks to supporting farmers with practical guidance that enhances resilience against emerging threats.
“At Leadway, we see our role as going beyond providing insurance cover. We work alongside farmers to build resilience before risks materialise. Through expert guidance, risk improvement initiatives and continuous engagement, we are committed to helping livestock farmers strengthen their operations and remain better prepared for emerging threats such as African Swine Fever,” he said
The company also reminded policyholders that maintaining adequate biosecurity standards and complying with statutory disease control regulations form part of responsible livestock management and are essential for reducing exposure to preventable losses.
Leadway advised farmers to review their existing biosecurity procedures and implement necessary improvements without delay to reduce the likelihood of disease transmission.
As part of its broader agricultural risk management strategy, the insurer said it would continue to educate farmers through radio programmes, webinars, community town hall meetings and stakeholder engagements aimed at raising awareness about livestock diseases and promoting preventive practices.
The company noted that sustained collaboration among farmers, veterinary authorities, industry stakeholders and insurers would be essential to strengthening the resilience of Nigeria’s livestock sector against future disease outbreaks.
Agriculture experts have repeatedly identified improved farm hygiene, controlled movement of animals, prompt reporting of suspected infections and continuous farmer education as critical measures for limiting the spread of African Swine Fever, particularly in countries where commercial vaccines remain unavailable.
With pig farming contributing significantly to food security, employment and rural incomes, stakeholders say proactive disease prevention and stronger biosecurity practices will be vital to protecting the industry’s long-term sustainability and reducing the economic impact of future outbreaks.
