By Yahaya Zakka Minna.
The Niger State Government has expressed commitment to checking Transboundary Animal Diseases (TADs) to curb transmission of the diseases from animals to human.
This was disclosed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Dr. Ibrahim Garba Musa during a step-down workshop for all stakeholders in the veterinary sector held at the Conference Hall of Veterinary Hospital in Bosso, Minna recently.
Dr Ibrahim Garba Musa said Transboundary Animal Diseases including Avian Influenza (AI) contributes to the backwardness of over #70billion annually in Nigeria adding that Poultry industry alone, contributes a great deal to the economy hence the need for all hands on deck to check the menace.
“The Poultry industry in Nigeria today, contributes to over #70billion annually and once there is Avian Influenza, you know how much we would be losing if Transboundary Animal Diseases are not effectively controlled” he said.
He stated that the State Government through the Ministry of Livestock, has concluded arrangement to regulate poultry sector especially the entry of egg products into the State emphasising that we must know where the eggs we consume comes from.
“We cannot allow eggs coming into the State anyhow unchecked. We must know where these eggs are coming and ensure that they are safe for consumption. The fact is that these Transboundary diseases are common and spreads unnoticed. We must act now to nip in the bud the transmission of the diseases” He added.
The Permanent Secretary who however, underscored the importance of effective collaboration among the stakeholders emphasized that the Ministry was poised to establishing Aquaculture Clinic to take care of the welfare of Fisheries at the Veterinary Hospital adding that Aquacultural medicine was critical to boosting production in the sector.
Earlier, the resource person and Director Veterinary Services (DVS) of the Ministry, Dr. Nma Sani Bello who made presentation on the topic “Towards Enhanced Coordination in the Control of Transboundary Animal Disease (TADs)”, said the Livestock sub-sector contributes about Fourty Percent of the global value of agricultural output hence the need for all hands on deck to reverse the trend.
Dr. Nma Sani observed that Transboundary Animal Diseases which are transmitted from animals to man are under reported stressing the need for Area and Zonal Veterinary Officers across the state to wake up from their slumber by reporting the Diseases with a view of improving Laboratories and clinical Veterinary Services.
He said the diseases are contagious and highly transmissible emphasising that globalization and uncontrolled cross-boarder movements are among factors attributable to the change in the dynamics of TADs and therefore, recommended active surveillance, early detection and prompt action as means of controlling the TADs.