World Veterinary day: Nigeria Veterinary Medicine in perspective

The “ruggedness” and strength of the black race is a piece in the myriads of divine blessings to the continent. The expression of Segun Akinlolu, a Nigerian musician (Beautiful Nubia) in his song “Seven lives that’s what I’ve got, I’m an African boy…” corroborates it. This undoubtedly reflects in diverse field of human endeavor as well as Africa survival instinct. However, the “ruggedness” and strength are facing serious challenges and Africa is in a tussle for survival.

As the world celebrates another veterinary day today, it is imperative to consider the practice of Veterinary medicine in Nigeria as it relates to Nigeria's survival. Arguably, no profession intersects food security and health, the two major challenges combating the existence of man; like veterinary medicine. There is no other time when the world expects the relevance of the profession than now. The Africa continent must arise to join the league of Europe and American continents where innovations capable of solving problems are made daily.

The importance of food for human sustenance was emphasized in the last World Health tagged Food safety. Sustained and continuous supply of food for the ever growing human population was shown to be the duty of all. However, expectations from different professions cut across board. Veterinarians have roles to play in the health of animals which serve as basic source of animal protein. The health of cattle, sheep, goat, pigs, poultry etc. is by extension a guarantee for the health of man.

Unfortunately, in Nigeria, millions of animals are lost to preventable and treatable diseases while many Veterinarians are unemployed; what an irony! The recent and on-going loss of birds to Avian Influenza is a quick reminder. Many states in Nigeria do not have up to 15 veterinarians while the few in service are not motivated to discharge their duties.

Visit to many of our abattoirs and slaughter slabs will make many swear never to eat meat again owing to the stench, filth and many unhygienic practices. It is either Veterinary officers are not available or inadequate in number to the task. This menace among other things has made the eradication of diseases like tuberculosis a mirage in Nigeria. The microorganism causing TB like other diseases find their way easily to humans through these uninspected meat. It is saddening to know that infected lungs sell for higher price in some parts of South-western Nigeria because butchers brand them as “lungs with melon”.

Our borders are not only porous to contrabands but also to disease causing pathogens. Quarantine services and veterinary control posts are either not in existence or not equipped with personnel and equipment to function. This measure should not only be put in place during epidemics as disease will not give prior notice, prevention is always a cheaper and better option.

Other dangerous trend proliferating unabated in Nigeria and threatening our survival in health and food safety are;
• Unguided and arbitrary use of antimicrobials. There is no reference for withdrawal periods as quacks often treat animals especially ruminants prior slaughter in our markets.
• Segregation among professionals in the country. It is high time one health; one medicine policy is adopted across board among professionals. Rivalry must give way to collaborations.

This year celebration which focuses zoonosis is another clarion call for the Nigeria government and other relevant agencies to arise to the duty of safe guarding the lives of citizens. Health is indeed wealth as it offers collateral to meet daily needs. The veterinary profession which has great potentials in safeguarding health and ensuring food safety demands attention. Government at all levels should employ qualified Veterinary doctors and the practice must as well be regulated as seen in developed nations of the world.

World Veterinary day: Nigeria Veterinary Medicine in perspective

The “ruggedness” and strength of the black race is a piece in the myriads of divine blessings to the continent. The expression of Segun Akinlolu, a Nigerian musician (Beautiful Nubia) in his song “Seven lives that’s what I’ve got, I’m an African boy…” corroborates it. This undoubtedly reflects in diverse field of human endeavor as well as Africa survival instinct. However, the “ruggedness” and strength are facing serious challenges and Africa is in a tussle for survival.

As the world celebrates another veterinary day today, it is imperative to consider the practice of Veterinary medicine in Nigeria as it relates to Nigeria's survival. Arguably, no profession intersects food security and health, the two major challenges combating the existence of man; like veterinary medicine. There is no other time when the world expects the relevance of the profession than now. The Africa continent must arise to join the league of Europe and American continents where innovations capable of solving problems are made daily.

The importance of food for human sustenance was emphasized in the last World Health tagged Food safety. Sustained and continuous supply of food for the ever growing human population was shown to be the duty of all. However, expectations from different professions cut across board. Veterinarians have roles to play in the health of animals which serve as basic source of animal protein. The health of cattle, sheep, goat, pigs, poultry etc. is by extension a guarantee for the health of man.

Unfortunately, in Nigeria, millions of animals are lost to preventable and treatable diseases while many Veterinarians are unemployed; what an irony! The recent and on-going loss of birds to Avian Influenza is a quick reminder. Many states in Nigeria do not have up to 15 veterinarians while the few in service are not motivated to discharge their duties.

Visit to many of our abattoirs and slaughter slabs will make many swear never to eat meat again owing to the stench, filth and many unhygienic practices. It is either Veterinary officers are not available or inadequate in number to the task. This menace among other things has made the eradication of diseases like tuberculosis a mirage in Nigeria. The microorganism causing TB like other diseases find their way easily to humans through these uninspected meat. It is saddening to know that infected lungs sell for higher price in some parts of South-western Nigeria because butchers brand them as “lungs with melon”.

Our borders are not only porous to contrabands but also to disease causing pathogens. Quarantine services and veterinary control posts are either not in existence or not equipped with personnel and equipment to function. This measure should not only be put in place during epidemics as disease will not give prior notice, prevention is always a cheaper and better option.

Other dangerous trend proliferating unabated in Nigeria and threatening our survival in health and food safety are;
• Unguided and arbitrary use of antimicrobials. There is no reference for withdrawal periods as quacks often treat animals especially ruminants prior slaughter in our markets.
• Segregation among professionals in the country. It is high time one health; one medicine policy is adopted across board among professionals. Rivalry must give way to collaborations.

This year celebration which focuses zoonosis is another clarion call for the Nigeria government and other relevant agencies to arise to the duty of safe guarding the lives of citizens. Health is indeed wealth as it offers collateral to meet daily needs. The veterinary profession which has great potentials in safeguarding health and ensuring food safety demands attention. Government at all levels should employ qualified Veterinary doctors and the practice must as well be regulated as seen in developed nations of the world.

Otenestbestyaho:
I have printed mine, anambra here I come!

seriously?

Have you ever wondered what the colours stand for?

The flag of the Nigeria Police Force comprises of three equal horizontal stripes of blue-yellow-green. The meaning of the colours is the following:

* blue: love, loyalty and unity
* yellow: discipline and resourcefulness
* green: energy and life.

How true to their nature are the colours?

So sorry about the loss. I will advise you dig and bury the body securely.
I must as well commend you on the dog. 14years is such a long time for the dog and the dog must have died naturally due to old age. Move on and get another dog, before you know it, you will get attached to that one too.

Prodeegee:

Animal cruelty is scarier than this your definition. it doesnt really have to be pain inflicting. sometimes even seizing the rights of these animals is being cruel.
mixed breeding isnt animal cruelty. most dogs are a mix of something.
Its all about our orientation. most people are even cruel to their kids, not to talk of dogs. i think its an african thing.

I mean mixed breeding in the sense of unguarded mating of breeds without adequate consideration of the size with resultant difficulty for the bitch during delivery

The level of dog appreciation and interest is growing immensely in Nigeria courtesy many factors. This laudable development is one of the effect of globalization on the country and the Africa continent at large. However, similar to the trend observed in other aspects of life, Nigerians adopt new ideas and concept without a firm grasp of all it entails or adoption of the right perspective of how things should be done. Hence, the level of dog abuse in the country is worrisome.

Pets are good, many people on this section and beyond can attest to this but I am not sure a peep into the pet's world (if possible?), pets in Nigeria will say humans especially Nigerians are good. Before you castigate me, I personally know many people whose perception of their pets and subsequent treatment is great but what percentage are they? Animal abuse as the broad topic is a worldwide problem but I wish to limit the scope of the discourse to Nigeria and dogs in particular.

Cruelty to animals, also called animal abuse or animal neglect, is the human infliction of suffering or harm upon non-human animals, for purposes other than self-defense or survival.(wikipedia)

Among the common abuse meted out to pets in the country are the following:

1. starvation: Dogs don't need to join you in prayers and your fasting...please plan for their food!
2. mixed-breeding: mating of different breeds without humane consideration of their differences and uniqueness.
3. painful restraints: this goes from the use of chains as collars or very short chains or leach as the case might be...

There are many of these abuses, dog lovers in the house and not necessarily animal right activist, kindly list many of these undoings and probably share experience you have witnessed around you. This thread is created for us as dog lovers to stop abuse and exploitation of this creature widely known as man's friend.

Let contribution start...

i need urgent information about them

Can + S

Not showing at my end...any help?

Please , professionals in the house help... my q23g is not working since yesterday. only cctv is showing. I'm in Osogbo.