Deborah Timothy (Intern)
The Ogun State Government has disclosed readiness to clamp down on unlicensed veterinary outfits, as well as prosecution of those found behind the illegal outlets in the state and environs, stressing that qualified veterinarians are professionals that apply their knowledge of veterinary science to promote animal health and productivity as well as human physical, mental and social wellbeing.
Penpushing reports that Commissioner for Agriculture Bolu Omotomo made this known at the ‘2024 World Veterinary Day’, organized by Veterinary Medical Association (VMA), Ogun State Chapter held in Abeokuta.
The commissioner in his speech said in addition the Ministry will organize evaluation of slaughter slabs, daily meat inspection and meat processing procedure monitoring, adding that in the process, slaughter slabs will be registered and licences issued.
Penpushing further reports that Omotomo who pointed out the relevance of the them, ‘Veterinarians Are Essential Health Workers’, stated that this feature of the veterinarian’s work though often remain obscured to the public is an essential part of the profession as it contributes to the health of the people and their community.
The Commissioner explained that Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration capitalized on this enormous potential of veterinarians to provide qualitative and affordable veterinary services to the livestock farmers, assuring that the Ministry of Agriculture through the Department of Veterinary Services is working assiduously to ensure food safety for the people of the state.
Penpushing also reports that he said there is going to be registration and issuance of licences which will be extended to all livestock farms and markets for provision of veterinary extension services, prevention and control of emerging and reemerging diseases.
‘The Ministry through the Department of Veterinary Services will soon begin mass vaccination against transboundary animal diseases including Anthrax; this gesture will be extended to all livestock farmers in the state’, he added.
‘Veterinarians are professionals that apply their knowledge of veterinary science to promote animal health and productivity as well as human physical, mental and social wellbeing. Due to their comprehensive medical training, they are responsible for promoting public health, food safety and food security’, Omotomo noted.
Penpushing reports that he stated that all identified unlicenced slaughters and meat inspection centres that do not meet the minimal criteria will henceforth be closed down to safeguard the lives of the citizens.
‘The Ministry is also working against quackery, indiscriminate sales and handling of veterinary drugs. This will guide against antimicrobial resistance and unlicensed veterinary outfits which will soon be apprehended and consequently prosecuted’.
‘We are also working to upgrade all our veterinary clinics across the state to ensure quality veterinary service delivery. Slaughters labs and meat inspection centers that do not meet the minimal criteria will be closed down to safeguard the lives of our citizens’, he emphasized.
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