THE Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) has called on the Federal Government to urgently reconstitution Board of Veterinary Council of Nigeria, to improve the practice of veterinary medicine in the country.

The association made this known in a communiqué on Friday in Abuja at the end of its two day annual summit.

It said that the reconstitution of the board, which was dissolved since 2015, was important for full implementation of veterinary laws and regulations in Nigeria.

The communiqué was jointly signed by the NVMA National President, Prof. Bello Agaie, its General Secretary, Dr Oladotun Fadipe and its Publicity Secretary, Dr Gloria Daminabo.

The summit congratulated the President Muhammadu for granting assent to relevant laws and regulations that would enable acquisition of veterinary knowledge and its practice in the country.

It also commended the National Assembly in passing bills needed to strengthen the law governing the profession in line with global best practices.

“The summit frowns at cumbersome nature of disease reporting system and recommended digitalisation for better data management and accessibility.

“The summit encourages more investment capacity building in quarantine services in the country.

“The summit observes the dearth of veterinary professionals in public service and urges federal, state and local government to do the needful .”

It appreciated the efforts of the government at controlling Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), while advising that global best practices be adopted through the use of “One Health” approach.

The summit participants also directed full implementation of the veterinary premises in all states regulations and the FCT in its entire ramifications.

It also called on all NVMA members nationwide to be involved and show concerns in situation of emergency involving animal and man in line with the ethnics of the profession.

The summit, which expressed its support for proposal by the National Executive Council (NEC) to establish NVMA Foundation, also urged stakeholders to observe global best practices in their farms to checkmate outbreaks of Avian Influenza.

It also frowned at multiple taxation of agricultural produce, while calling for collaborations among stakeholder to address the challenge. (NAN)

– Mar. 29, 2019 @ 16:39 GMT |