By Chukwuka Ugokwe
As the international community commemorate this year’s World Veterinary Day, the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, Anambra State Chapter, has made a strong case for proactive measures to prevent animal to human diseases.
It identified diseases such as Avian influenza, Rabies, Anthrax, Tuberculosis,Foot-and-Mouth diseases as real threat to humans, noting that “when animals are sick, humans are not safe”
In a press statement issued by the association in Awka and signed by the State Chairman, Dr Victor Ughaerumba, the body reaffirmed its commitment to monitor and control zoonotic diseases, but regretted absence of functional veterinary diagnostic laboratory in the state.
“Healthy animals mean healthy people. Safe food means a stronger Anambra, let this World Veterinary Day be a turning point because in protecting animals,we are protecting ourselves.
“We are trained to diagnose and treat animal diseases, prevent the spread of deadly infections, inspect meat in abattoirs and safeguard livestock production for food security.
“This is what we call one health, the connection between animal health, human health and our environment”
While calling for provision of functional diagnostic laboratory for confirmatory testing, he insisted that the current practice of diagnoses based on clinical signs could not always be accurate.
“When samples need proper testing, they must be transported to other states. This leads to delays in diagnosis and treatment, increased spread of diseases and greater risk to public health”
Dr Ughaerumba, therefore, Urged government, private sector and development partners to invest in standard veterinary diagnostic laboratories, modern abattoir facilities, disease surveillance systems and capacity building for veterinary professionals.
He further outlined activities for this year’s celebration to include news commentary on ABS and sensitisation on “Role Of A Veterinarian In The Society”.
According to him, there will be a Dog show at Obinnaemeka Solution Garden, Onitsha on Saturday, May 9.
Chukwuka is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
