Veterinary council to support fight against COVID-19 

The Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN) and the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) have pledged to assist the government in combating the spread of coronavirus disease. 

President of VCN, Aishatu Abubakar Baju, and the President NVMA, Prof. Bello Agaie, in a statement, commended the government for the efforts so far in managing the spread of the virus, and said veterinarians across the country were available to support the global efforts to contain spread.

They noted that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, in collaboration with States Ministries of Agriculture/Animal Resources, were already engaging in fumigation of high risk veterinary related areas, especially live-bird and livestock markets and promoting increased biosecurity in poultry and livestock farms.

They pledged that the veterinary regulation and inspection service would continue to oversee the integration of public health, ensuring that only healthy animals and their by-products enter food supply chain to guarantee food safety for the population. 

The council assured of its readiness to attend to emergency situation in support of public health, as they also undertake preventive measures such as vaccination against diseases with significant veterinary and public health or economic impact and also prioritise research activities to help contain emerging zoonotic diseases. 

The bodies, however, urged government at all levels to support the efforts already initiated by the veterinary authorities and professionals to scale-up global Veterinary mandate in the face of this daunting challenge.

The body stated: “Should there be a lock-down, veterinary services should be understood by all concerned authorities as essential services.

“The veterinary community in Nigeria is committed and prepared to work with all the relevant stakeholders and communities to end this pandemic,” the statement read in part.