VCN Begins Nationwide Decontamination Of Livestock, Markets

VCN Begins Nationwide Decontamination Of Livestock, Markets

The Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN) has begun decontamination of livestock/live birds, markets, abattoirs and other vulnerable veterinary outfits across the nation.

Dr Aisha’atu Abubakar-Baju, President of the VCN, made this known on Saturday, at the inauguration of the decontamination in Abuja, as part of activities to commemorate World Veterinary Day.

The President, in conjunction with the Minister of State FCT, Dr Ramatu Aliyu, said the ceremony would be replicated in Lagos, Edo and Kaduna States simultaneously.

Abubakar-Baju, also the Commissioner of Police, Force Animal Branch (FAB), said the measure was to augment government’s effort in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic as well as to celebrate the World Veterinary Day.

According to her, to support this initiative, the council received donations both in cash and kind from the FCT Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) on COVID-19 and other veterinary- related corporate bodies.

She identified the corporate bodies to include, Animal Care Nigeria Ltd, Adamore Nigeria Limited, Amor-Byng Group and Turner Wright Nigeria Limited across the country.

According to her, the donations will be judiciously deployed during the decontamination exercise.

“The exhibition of this unmatched patriotism and philanthropic gesture by these corporate bodies will definitely be rewarded by the Almighty God.

“As we mark yet another World Veterinary Day, may I reiterate to all of us, the duty and responsibility placed on us by the design of our profession.

“The design is a call to always bring our services to bear in ensuring the safety of our food animals, the good health of our pets, the safety of our environment and the prevention of zoonotic diseases within the human population.

“The recent declaration by the WHO that the dreaded COVID-19 virus is likely to be of animal origin, has indeed underlined our significance as a critical component in the medical and health sector, in ensuring the safety and health of the planet earth.

“Therefore, it is a clarion call for more dedication, sacrifice and professional introspection,” she said.

The president noted that the leadership of the council consulted with relevant security agencies in an effort to sustain the food chain supply process of the country, sequel to the lockdown and restriction of movement by the Federal Government.

She explained that the consultation was on the need to allow free and uninterrupted services by veterinary and veterinary para professionals, which included free movement of livestock and livestock products, poultry and poultry products, vaccines and medications.

“Our collective efforts through your mandate, led to the categorisation and inclusion of our profession as ‘Essential Service Provider’, thereby ensuring seamless discharge of our services and movement of veterinary products across the country;

“A feat that has never been attained since the advent of our profession in the country,” Abubakar-Baju said.

The president, however, urged members to imbibe the  measures being emplaced by various governments across the globe toward preventing the spread of Coronavirus, which included social and physical distancing.

According to her, this implies that as frontliners in this fight, we are aware of the charge of not congregating to share information, experiences, knowledge as well as make deliberate advocacies and enlightenment campaigns in projecting the essence and activities of our dear profession in commemoration of the day.

“Consequently, I will appeal to all of us to contribute our quota in any possible way at our respective places of abode by bringing our professional competence into utilisation for the purpose of defeating this pandemic threatening our collective existence.

“We are assuring you all that the council shall remain focused and determined in advancing the course and progress of our profession in Nigeria.

“We are, however, open to suggestions, constructive criticisms, ideas and innovations that can help us deliver on our mandate,” the president added.  (NAN)