Animal diseases hit Kwara
The Kwara State Chapter of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association on Thursday alerted the state government about the outbreak of animal diseases in the state, describing it to be of grave economic importance and serious public health concerns.
The association’s chairman, Dr. Saka Shittu, disclosed this in a statement issued in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.
He stated that the diseases affect wide range of animal species- Pets and Small Animals(Dogs and Rabbits), Small Ruminants(Sheep and Goats) and Large Animals(Cattle).
Stating its implication, the association said there will be an impending food safety and security issue with serious economic impact both for the farmers and the government.
The statement read, “While detailing some of the events that had taken place in the last couple of weeks and months as regards grave losses that have been incurred by farmers and herders in the state. Statistics has it that, about 10000 rabbits and over 100 farmers have been affected by the devastating effects of Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease- A disease with an outbreak in December 2020 that was first recorded in Kwara State across the Country.
“With regards to small ruminants, over 90 herds with over 2000 sheep and goats have been ravaged by Pestes de Petite Ruminates(PPR).
“In addition to the highlighted diseases, there are reported cases of leptospirosis among Dogs in the state which is one of utmost concern considering the public health importance of Leptospirosis to humans as it is a Zoonotic Diseases.
“We also do wish to note that a significant number of cattle have been lost to Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia.
“As an Association, We recognise the effort of the state government through the Department of Veterinary services in outbreak investigation, creating public awareness, tracing back the source of infection, and other Preventive measures within their capacity. We, therefore, seek the direct intervention of the government in curbing and controlling these diseases that have amounted to severe losses on the part of Livestock farmers in the state.
“Conclusively, it is trite to know that there is a need to curb the further spread of these diseases among farms and livestock settlements in the state. Required Intervention requires Massive Vaccination against some of the concerned diseases as regards controlling and Prevention across the State, Decontamination of Livestock farms, settlements and markets in the state, Provision of Personal Protective Equipments for Personnel and Animal Health Workers.
“We are confident in the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq-led administration and convinced that the Government will help activate the machinery that will ameliorate the effects of the outbreaks on livestock animals and Farmers.”
Animal diseases hit Kwara | The Informant247 News Nigeria
