Socio-economic impact of rinderpest in Nigeria

The recurrence of rinderpest in Nigeria since September 1980 and widespread epizootics in 1983-84 claimed almost half a million cattle, and impaired the health of another million and a half which survived. Losses caused by rinderpest were aggravated by complicating diseases and the widespread drought of 1983. The losses were estimated to amount to 1.5 billion naira ($2.0 billion). Many cattle owners became bankrupt when they lost all their cattle due to disease, or sold them at low prices for salvage. Many cattle owners were forced to give up the trade of tending cattle. No development of cattle or economic emancipation of their owners is possible as long as this scourge continues to inflict severe economic losses.