The Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN) has said it will support the Lagos State Government to curb the spread of antimicrobial resistance in livestock.
Aishatu Baju, president of the Council who made this known over the weekend in Lagos explained that this would be achieve by completely restricting the use of antibiotics for growth promotion and disease prevention.
Baju pointed out that the support was necessary because if Lagos got it right, other States would follow suit.
He disclosed that Lagos was already on the right track with its Five-Year Agricultural Transformation Strategy adding that this informed the willingness and readiness of the Council to partner with the State Government to ensure the realization of the goals and objectives of the Strategy.
“We are pleased as a council to note the five-year agricultural transformation strategy of the state which centers mostly on the red meat value chain; we are willing and ready to partner with Lagos to ensure the realization of the goals and objectives,” she said in a statement.
Read Also: PAA, NIAS collaboration will rejuvenate Nigeria’s livestock industry – Iyayi
“This partnership will, in particular, focus on ways to curb the spread of antimicrobial resistance in food-producing animals by completely restricting the use of antibiotics for growth promotion and disease prevention.”
“By this, we will ensure that only wholesome and hygienic meat is produced for consumption,” she added.
He noted that the state is very strategic in the livestock industry in the country as it holds the highest number of private veterinary premises and related industries.
As a result, the provision of veterinary services to these industries needs to be properly regulated to ensure that they receive the best veterinary and other animal healthcare services,” she noted.
She commended the Lagos state government for its massive support for the livestock industry and veterinary services over the years in furtherance of its red meat value chain development agenda.
Baju also commended Lagos for the approval to employ additional 20 veterinarians and 10 veterinary para professionals given the current economic situation of the country.
She, however, stated that there was a high risk of transmission of zoonotic diseases from poorly regulated abattoirs and slaughter slab adding that the international best practice mandates the veterinarian to certify all food of animal origin meant for human consumption for the assurance of food safety and security.
The president said that it is important for the safety of the human populace in Lagos that these animals were properly inspected to ensure their safety and wholesomeness for consumption.
Baju therefore reiterated the readiness and willingness of the Council to give full support to the activities of State in the actualization of its red meat developmental agenda including the enforcement of all necessary laws.
