Wildlife and public health experts have raised fresh concerns over Nigeria’s vulnerability to emerging infectious diseases, calling on the governments, communities and individuals to reduce risky human interactions with wildlife and adopt the One Health approach to prevent future outbreaks.
The warning came during a media chat with Dr. Mark Ofua, Wildlife Veterinarian and West Africa Representative of Wild Africa.
He said that Nigeria’s recurring Lassa fever outbreaks and the recent re-emergence of Ebola in parts of Africa should serve as a wake-up call for stronger disease surveillance, wildlife conservation and public awareness.
Lassa Fever Remains a National Concern
Nigeria Representative on Wild Africa,
He said that although there was no official global theme announced for this year’s celebration, the focus remained on increasing vigilance against zoonotic diseases.
According to him, Nigeria continues to grapple with Lassa fever while countries like Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda battle Ebola outbreaks, underscoring the need for sustained public education.
Dr. Ofua described zoonotic diseases as illnesses transmitted between animals and humans, noting that they remain one of the greatest public health threats globally.
He explained that over 60 per cent of known infectious diseases originate from animals, while nearly 75 per cent of emerging infectious diseases have animal origins.
“Lassa fever is still killing Nigerians. In fact, it has claimed more lives than many people realise. The challenge is that these diseases are often underreported because they mostly affect rural communities before attracting national attention.”
Emerging Diseases Pose Greater Threat
The wildlife veterinarian distinguished between known zoonotic diseases for which treatment already exists and newly emerging diseases that remain difficult to control.
According to him, the greatest concern lies with emerging pathogens, re-emerging diseases and antimicrobial-resistant infections.
“The diseases we worry about the most today are the ones science has not fully understood or developed effective treatments for. These are the diseases capable of triggering the next pandemic.”
He cited antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as a growing global threat, warning that bacteria previously controlled by common antibiotics are increasingly developing resistance, making routine infections potentially fatal.
“Imagine contracting an ordinary bacterial infection that no available antibiotic can cure. That is the reality antimicrobial resistance is creating across the world.”
Bushmeat Consumption Raises Public Health Risks
A major highlight of the media briefing was the renewed warning against unsafe bushmeat hunting, processing and consumption.
Dr. Ofua explained that the risks associated with bushmeat extend far beyond eating wildlife.
According to him, exposure occurs throughout the entire supply chain – from hunting and transportation to butchering, marketing and preparation.
“When animals are captured from the wild, they become stressed. That stress can increase the ability of pathogens they carry to spread. When different wildlife species are mixed together in markets, diseases can jump between species and become even more dangerous.”
He noted that poor hygiene practices in bushmeat markets significantly increase the chances of disease transmission to humans.
“People handle wildlife without protective equipment. Blood and bodily fluids are everywhere. These are perfect conditions for viruses to spread.”
Ebola Re-emergence Should Concern Nigeria
Speaking on recent Ebola cases reported in parts of Africa – DRC and Uganda, Dr. Ofua said Nigeria must strengthen surveillance beyond airports and seaports.
While acknowledging existing screening mechanisms for international travellers, he warned that illegal wildlife trade routes remain largely unmonitored.
“There are routes through which wildlife moves across Central Africa into Nigeria. If infected animals enter through these channels, they could introduce dangerous pathogens long before health authorities detect them.”
He cautioned that diseases transmitted through wildlife could spread unnoticed in rural communities before becoming national emergencies.
Habitat Destruction Increases Spillover Risks
Dr. Ofua also linked environmental degradation to the increasing emergence of zoonotic diseases.
He explained that deforestation, agricultural expansion and urban development continue to force wildlife into closer contact with humans.
“Habitat destruction increases opportunities for pathogens to move between wildlife and people. Conservation is no longer just about protecting biodiversity; it is now a public health intervention.”
Conflict Zones Fuel Disease Spread
The expert further highlighted the relationship between insecurity and emerging diseases, particularly in conflict-affected regions.
According to him, insurgency not only disrupts disease surveillance but also drives illegal wildlife hunting and trafficking.
“Where there is insecurity, nature suffers first. Wildlife populations become vulnerable to poaching, while insurgents often depend on wild animals for food and income. That creates direct pathways for zoonotic diseases to spread into human communities.”
He warned that conservation efforts have been severely hampered in some parts of northern Nigeria due to insecurity.
Nigeria’s Preparedness Still Reactive
Responding to questions on Nigeria’s readiness to manage future outbreaks, Dr. Ofua acknowledged the work of health authorities but observed that the country’s response remains largely reactive.
“To some extent, there is preparedness, but Nigeria still responds more after outbreaks occur than before they happen. Prevention must become our priority.”
He urged greater investment in surveillance systems, public awareness, wildlife monitoring and stronger collaboration among environmental, veterinary and public health institutions.
Experts Advocate One Health Approach
Throughout the discussion, speakers repeatedly emphasised the importance of the One Health approach, which integrates human, animal and environmental health in disease prevention.
They argued that preventing future pandemics requires protecting ecosystems, conserving wildlife habitats, improving disease surveillance and promoting safer interactions between humans and animals.
According to the experts, reducing spillover risks is significantly cheaper and more effective than responding to disease outbreaks after they occur.
Journalists Urged to Drive Public Awareness
Participants were encouraged to use World Zoonoses Day as an opportunity to educate Nigerians on the dangers of wildlife exploitation, unsafe bushmeat handling and environmental degradation.
The media briefing also highlighted the need for balanced reporting that recognises the economic realities of communities dependent on bushmeat while promoting safer and more sustainable alternatives.
As Nigeria continues to battle seasonal Lassa fever outbreaks and Africa remains on alert over Ebola, the experts agreed that preventing the next pandemic will depend not only on stronger healthcare systems but also on how societies protect nature, manage wildlife and rethink their relationship with the environment.
“Human health, animal health and environmental health are inseparable. Protecting wildlife ultimately means protecting ourselves.”
