Livestock responsible for 65% of human diseases in Nigeria —NVMA

The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) has warned that about 65 percent of human diseases in Nigeria are zoonotic, that is, transmitted from animals to humans.

Dr. Moses Arokoya, president of the NVMA, disclosed this on Monday during the association’s 61st Annual National Congress and General Meeting held in Jalingo, Taraba state.

He lamented growing concerns over poor abattoir conditions and rising antimicrobial resistance. He said zoonotic diseases were on the rise in Nigeria and globally responsible for about 2.7 million deaths annually.

Arokoya noted that the choice of Taraba for this year’s congress was deliberate, as plans were underway to establish a Disease-Free Zone (DFZ) on the Mambilla Plateau.

According to him, eliminating livestock diseases from the area would significantly boost the production of fresh meat and strengthen the country’s livestock economy.

He, however, stressed that Nigeria needs more DFZs to position livestock production as a driver of economic growth and food security.

The NVMA president decried the poor state of abattoirs across the country, warning that unhygienic slaughterhouses contribute to the spread of zoonotic infections and antimicrobial resistance.

He explained that many Nigerians unknowingly consume drug residues from animals treated with antibiotics before slaughter, which poses serious health risks.

“Modern abattoirs are needed in all 774 local government areas to address this menace,” Arokoya said.

Arokoya called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to include veterinarians in its disaster intervention policy, emphasizing their critical role in emergency preparedness and response strategies involving animal health and zoonotic outbreaks.