Serological detection of foot and mouth disease antibodies in apparenty healthy pigs within federal capital territory, Abuja

Swine production contributes significantly to the economic wealth of most farmers in developing nations including Nigeria. Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has been a highly contagious viral disease of agricultural importance in domestic ruminants and pigs, hampering livestock productivity in countries where the disease is still endemic. The study aimed to determine the swine FMD occurrence in order to elucidate the disease burden within Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and its environs. One hundred (100) sera were collected from Pigs and subjected to 3ABC ELISA test at the FMD Laboratory in National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom. The result showed that out of 100 sera samples tested for FMD antibodies, 26 (26%) were positive and 74 (74%) were negative. Sero-positive distribution showed sow/gilt (32.7%), younger pigs (57.7%) and local breeds (50%) were more exposed to FMD. Although, this was not significant (P>0.05). Questionnaire report further showed knowledge attitude and practice (KAP) of farmers was good, however, the absence of vaccination could be a contributing factor to FMD spread to other susceptible and between carrier livestock within the study area. This finding suggests an increasing occurrence of FMD in pigs within the Guinea Savanna Zone of North-Central Nigeria. In conclusion, FMD antibodies were detected in apparently healthy, unvaccinated pigs of all breeds, ages and sex slaughtered and reared in the FCT. Control efforts should be put in place to prevent possible transmission of Foot and Mouth Disease between pigs and cattle and other ruminants within and between herds, market and slaughter slabs.