05/08/2023
AWARENESS UPDATE!!!
MEETING WITH THE HONOURABLE COMMISSIONER , MINISTRY OF LIVESTOCK, IMO STATE WITH ALL THE STAKE HOLDERS OF LIVESTOCK BUSINESS IN IMO STATE.
The Honourable Commissioner, MLD, Dr Tony Christian Mgbeahurike, in his usual proactive nature, called this unique meeting to alert the public especially, those in livestock, on the imminent outbreak of ' ' in Nigeria, having been reported in Niger state, Kogi, Lagos and plateau State.
In his address, he highlighted that as concerned stake holders, we cannot wait till it gets to our doorstep, hence this decision to sensitize/create awareness on the current position.
It's expected of us to Adopt a one health approach to this situation with the Veterinary Doctors on the lead, and if we do the work expected of us in the animal sector, we will stop the spread at that level and not allow it to get to the human population.
Earlier before now, the HC, MLD, has already written a memo on this which led to the formation of the state Tax force on Anthrax using one health approach.
The HC, MLD, charged the staff working at the Abattoirs to be up and doing and take their work seriously.
At present, there is shortage of Veterinary Staff in the State, there's urgent need for employment of more Veterinary Staff. But seeing the urgency needed in this fight against , the HC, MLD, thought it wise to involve the Private Veterinarians in the state to help contain the disease, especially in the vaccination of all livestock implicated as host to this disease agent - 'Baccillus Anthrasis'. The Government has approved mass Vaccination of sheep/goat, Cattle e.t.c, and so enjoined the farmers in the state to understand and cooperate in this all-important exercise, and also for Active surveillance.
Also, he reiterated the need to fortify our control post and put in place formidable structure on ground, including but not limited to quarantine unit, e.t.c, for the Workers to carry out their work without hitches.
The meeting was a huge success, and we'll attended.
In attendance were: The Ministry staff, Representative of NVMA-Imo state, Farmers, Butchers, Meat Vendors, Cattle dealer/marketers etc.
From: Dr(Mrs)Chika Ihuoma Chukukere (JP), DVM(UNN), MPH(FUTO), IEGH(UW).
-State Epidemiology Officer/ DDVS
AFENET Nigeria Breakthrough ACTION-Nigeria Breakthrough ACTION Federal Ministry of Agriculture Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Federal Ministry of Health Nigeria World Health Organization (WHO) World Health Organization Nigeria United States Agency for International Development Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Department of Veterinary & Pest Control Services - FMARD Nigeria Centre for Disease Control World Organisation for Animal Health ECOWAS/CDEAO VETERINARY COUNCIL OF NIGERIA
