The Abia State Police Command and the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Abia State Chapter, have explored areas of collaboration to curb quackery in veterinary practice, regulate animal movement and strengthen public health protection.

The partnership was discussed when the Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, received the association’s delegation, led by its state chairman, Dr Jude Stephen.

The delegation visited the commissioner to welcome him to the state and commend the command’s efforts to maintain security, particularly through its community policing initiatives.

It also sought police collaboration in addressing concerns such as the activities of unqualified veterinary practitioners, the movement of animals across state and national borders, and public sensitisation on animal health and safety.

The association warned that quackery in veterinary practice could endanger both animal and human health, particularly when unqualified practitioners administer inappropriate or unsafe vaccines to animals.

It noted that the consequences could extend to consumers of affected animals and their products, raising concerns about food safety and public health.

The delegation stressed that protecting animal health was inseparable from safeguarding human health, given the close links between animal welfare, safe food production and public wellbeing.

In his response, Afolabi welcomed the association’s initiative and assured its members of the command’s willingness to collaborate with relevant professional bodies and stakeholders to address the concerns.