Veterinary Doctors reason why zoonotic tuberculosis is under control in human population-NVMA

As the world marks this year tuberculosis day, the Nigerian veterinary medical association, NVMA, said the organization has been able to put in frantic effort to control zoonotic tuberculosis in human population.

The Kogi State Chairman of NVMA Dr Tolu Omotugba disclosed this on Sunday when he led his medical team to Lokoja abattoir in Felele.

Omotugba disclosed that, the choice of abattoir for the celebration was to sensitize the butchers and abattoir workers about the deadly bacteria which has now turned to a global epidemic.

The veterinary Doctor emphasized the need to ensure strict hygiene during slaughter, adding that, zoonotic tuberculosis over the years have killed individuals across the world.

"Me and my team who are veterinary Doctors woke up by 5am to carry out the meat inspection exercise at the abattoirs here in Lokoja. We are doing this on daily basis just to protect the human population. We are the gatekeepers to public health 

"This deadly disease can be transferred from animals to human. When their is loss of weight, consistent coughing and many more, this are signs of tuberculosis in animal. When an animal is infected and human being consume such animal, you all know what will be the outcome. 

"According to data released by world health organization, (WHO) in 2020, out of every ten million cases of tuberculosis, 10.4 percent that is 140,000 are from animals.

"Out of this 140,000, 114,000 death cases where recorded in 2020. In 2022, 130,000 people died worldwide as a result of tuberculosis. But with our efforts as veterinary Doctors, zoonotic tuberculosis has been significantly controlled in human population" he stated.

The association, however, presented some materials like nose masks, gloves and boots to protect the abattoir workers against the deadly disease. 

Responding, the Chairman of Butchers development association Kogi State Idi Ibrahim, who lauded veterinary Doctors in the state for their commitment in protecting public health called on the Government to establish a modern abattoir in line with global standard.

Our Kogi State Correspondent, reports that the NVMA in Kogi State team were joined by a special team from the Kogi state center for tuberculosis program led by Dr Komolafe Rotimi, representatives from the World Health Organization, (WHO) and Initiative for Grassroot Advancement in Nigeria, (INGRA).

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