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Animal Diseases (Control) Act

An Act to provide for the control and prevention of animal diseases, with the object of preventing the introduction and spread of infectious and contagious diseases among animals, hatcheries and poultries in Nigeria.
[Commencement] [24th February, 1988]

1. Importation of animals, hatching eggs and poultry

(1) As from the commencement of this Act, the importation of any animal, hatching eggs or poultry into Nigeria from any other country by land, sea or air is prohibited except under a permit, in the form set out in the Fourth or Fifth Schedule to this Act, granted by the Director who in each case shall state the conditions under which the
animal, hatching eggs or poultry may be imported.
[Fourth and Fifth Schedules.]

(2) Any animal, hatching eggs or poultry imported by land, sea or air may be subjected to such examination, disinfection, inoculation and quarantine at the risk and expense of the owner thereof as the Director may deem necessary.

(3) Any animal, hatching eggs or poultry which for the purposes of trade is brought into Nigeria across an international border whether on the hoof or by road, rail, sea or air shall be subject to inspection at any of the quarantine stations or control posts listed in the Second and Third Schedules to this Act by an authorised officer for
the purposes of ascertainment that such animal, hatching eggs or poultry is duly permitted to travel and fit to do so.

[Second and Third Schedules.]

2. Importation of animal products

The importation of animal semen, egg or any other animal product into Nigeria from any country is prohibited except under a permit, in the form set out in the Sixth Schedule to this Act, granted by the Director who may in each case state the conditions under which the semen, egg or any other animal product may be imported.
[Sixth Schedule.]

3. Importation of biologics

The importation of any biologics into Nigeria from any country is prohibited except under a permit, in the form set out in the Eleventh Schedule to this Act, granted by the Director who may state the condition or conditions under which the biologics may be imported.
[Eleventh Schedule.]

4. Importation of infectious agent

The importation into Nigeria of any infectious agent in any form is prohibited except under a permit, in the form set out in the Eleventh Schedule to this Act, granted by the Director.
[Eleventh Schedule.]

5. Seizure or destruction of animal, etc.

Any animal, animal products, biologic or infectious agent which is not imported in accordance with the provisions of sections 1, 2, 3 and 4 of this Act shall be seized or caused to be destroyed immediately on arrival by the Director, or by an authorised officer without prejudice to the imposition of any penalty for the contravention of
these provisions:
Provided that such seizure or destruction shall be reported without delay to the magistrates having jurisdiction in that area.

6. Exportation of animals, etc.

The exportation of any animal, hatchery eggs or poultry out of Nigeria to any other country by land, sea, or air is prohibited except under a permit, in the form set out in the Twelfth Schedule to this Act, granted by the Director who in each case shall state the conditions under which the animal, hatching eggs or poultry may be exported.
[Twelfth Schedule.]

7. Surveillance of importation

(1) If a veterinary officer, police officer or any authorised officer has reason to believe that there is in any premises, animal, animal product, biologic or infectious agent which has been imported into Nigeria in contravention of the provisions of this Act, he shall-
(a) within reasonable time enter, inspect the premises and examine any suspected animal, animal product, biologic or infectious agent therein;
(b) demand, from the owner or person in charge or in possession, for the evidence of permission to import such animal, animal product, biologic or infectious agent found on the premises;
(c) where he has reasonable ground to believe that such animal, animal product, biologic or infectious agent, has been imported without permit, seize or detain such animal at the risk and expense of the owner or importer for a period of not less than 24 hours, after which the animal, animal product, biologic or infectious agent shall be quarantined or penalty shall be imposed if no proof of permission to import can be produced.

(2) Any person who is guilty of any such breach, non-compliance or contravention under this section shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine of not less than N1,000 or imprisonment for three months or to both such tine and imprisonment.

8. Notification of disease

(1) Any person having in his charge or under his control any animal infected or suspected to be infected with any of the diseases listed in the First Schedule to this Act shall keep such animal separate from other animals not so infested or suspected to be infected and shall forthwith give notice of the fact of the animal being so infected or suspected to be infected to a veterinary officer or the nearest veterinary surgeon or the prescribed officer in the Local Government Area.
[First Schedule]

(2) When any animal so infected or suspected to be infected is being transported, neither such animal nor any animal with which it has been in contact shall be moved except in so far as may be necessary for effecting isolation or for procuring food or water pending the directions of a veterinary officer.

(3) Every veterinary officer, veterinary surgeon or prescribed officer receiving a notification under subsection (1) of this section or otherwise becoming aware that any animal within the limit of his jurisdiction is infected with disease shall take measures to enforce the provisions of this section with regard to the isolation and non-movement of the animal and shall forthwith notify the nearest magistrate or police officer.