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.