Digital technologies are increasingly recognised as important tools for strengthening veterinary extension and livestock disease surveillance. Mobile applications, cloud platforms, remote sensing, artificial intelligence and statistical modelling can improve the timeliness, coverage and quality of animal-health information and services. However, effective deployment requires alignment with existing veterinary and extension systems, investment in human capacity, attention to data quality and governance, and institutional coordination. In Nigeria, progress remains constrained by infrastructural limitations, capacity gaps, fragmented data systems and sustainability challenges. Despite these constraints, digital tools have considerable potential to support animal health, agricultural development and food security.
B. Implications for Veterinary Practice and Agricultural Extension
Digital tools can support disease reporting, diagnostics, surveillance and decision-making in veterinary practice, but should complement rather than replace clinical judgement, laboratory confirmation and field engagement. In agricultural extension, digital platforms can expand service reach and facilitate two-way communication between service providers and livestock producers. Realising these benefits requires user-centred tools, adequate training and integration into routine workflows. Veterinary and extension personnel therefore require technical skills and the capacity to interpret and apply digital information effectively (Makinde et al., 2025).
C. The Way Forward for Smart and Climate-Resilient Livestock Health
Moving towards smart and climate-resilient livestock health systems requires a systems approach. Priority actions include:
• strengthening infrastructure, connectivity and access to appropriate digital devices;
• investing in digital literacy and capacity building for veterinarians, extension personnel and livestock producers;
• developing policy and governance frameworks for data standards, privacy, interoperability and validation of digital tools;
• promoting institutional collaboration to harmonise data and reduce fragmentation; and
• linking digital disease surveillance with livestock productivity, food security and One Health.
With sustained investment and institutional coordination, digital approaches can support earlier disease detection, targeted interventions and improved livestock health outcomes.SAEREM 2026 OCTOBER BOOK CHAPTER NEW.docxChapter Seven
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