The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) has revealed that 65 percent of human diseases in Nigeria are linked to livestock.
The National President of the NVMA, Dr Moses Arokoya, made this known at the 61st Annual National Congress/Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the association held in Jalingo, on Monday.
Dr. Arokoya explained that zoonotic diseases were on the increase in Nigeria, adding that about 2.7 million people die globally every year due to zoonotic diseases.
According to him, the choice of Taraba for the congress was strategic, as a Disease-Free Zone (DFZ) is to be established in the Mambilla Plateau in Sardauna Local Government Area of the State.
He further stated that eradicating diseases from the Mambilla Plateau would pave the way for the production of large quantities of fresh and safe meat in the state.
Dr. Arokoya emphasised the need for more DFZs in the country to boost livestock production and increase the sector’s contribution to economic growth.
The president also decried the poor state of abattoirs in Nigeria, warning that unhygienic slaughter houses contribute to microbial resistance.
He noted that most Nigerians unknowingly consume meat from animals that have been treated with drugs shortly before slaughter.
He called for the establishment of more abattoirs in all the 774 local government areas of the country to curb health risks associated with poor meat processing.
While commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the ongoing reforms in the livestock sector, Dr. Arokoya urged the federal government to further empower veterinarians to enhance their contribution to national food security and public health.
He also appealed to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to include veterinarians in its disaster intervention policy, as well as in preparedness and response strategies for emergencies.
(Daily Trust)
