Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Nurudeen Alimi
Published on 2024-02-22 10:40:29
The Oyo State Government has initiated the distribution of Veterinary drugs to veterinary hospitals/clinics in the state at subsidised rates for easy access by end users. This collaborative effort with the federal government is aimed at preventing animal-human diseases.
The symbolic distribution of the drugs was flagged off in Ibadan by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye. He emphasized that this initiative is in line with the ongoing efforts of the Governor Seyi Makinde led administration to reduce zoonotic diseases, highlighting that approximately 68% of human diseases are contracted from animals.
The Commissioner also noted that this move would benefit livestock farmers in the state as well as pet owners, particularly dog owners, by providing them with access to veterinary drugs at subsidized rates. This, in turn, would contribute to the production of disease-free animals and bolster food security in Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.
It was revealed that it is the government’s responsibility to establish mechanisms for ensuring the safety of food for human consumption. Therefore, the general public, especially livestock farmers, were urged to patronise veterinary hospitals/clinics in their respective local government areas or zones in order to administer the drugs to their animals at subsidised rates.
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Christianah Abioye, urged the veterinary officers to be diligent in ensuring that the drugs are readily available and accessible to end users at the subsidised rate.
This initiative by the Oyo State Government is a significant step towards promoting the health and well-being of both animals and humans. By making veterinary drugs more accessible and affordable, the government aims to mitigate the spread of diseases from animals to humans and contribute to the overall improvement of food safety and security in the state.
This collaborative effort between the state and federal government reflects a proactive approach towards preventing and controlling animal-human diseases. It not only benefits livestock farmers and pet owners but also has broader implications for public health and food security. The distribution of subsidised veterinary drugs is a demonstration of the government’s commitment to addressing the health and welfare of both animals and humans in Oyo State.
Read the original article on Nigerian Tribune
