By Dorathy Aninge

Veterinarians have been advised to team up with researchers and ensure judicious use of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in livestock production.

The Managing Director of Blueblood Veterinary Limited, Mr Abubakar Muhammad, gave the advice in Makurdi at the 2025 World Veterinary Day celebration and N20 million appeal fund organised by the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Benue Chapter.

Muhammad, who was the guest speaker, said the most pressing challenge being faced in animal health is antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which also threatens human health and food security, and veterinarians have a pivotal role in ensuring that antimicrobials are used judiciously.

He stated that no single individual could address the multifaceted challenge of animal health alone except through teamwork.

“By working together as a team, we can educate farmers on the use of antimicrobials.

“We can implement best practices by collaborating with researchers and policymakers and also monitor and report by establishing a robust surveillance system for tracking antimicrobial use.

“To also enhance food security, we need to work closely with agricultural extension workers and public health officials, promote best practices and engage communities, as this will give a comprehensive approach to food safety.

“Livestock development is vital for the prosperity of the economy, which is why veterinarians need to invest in research and development, support capacity building and advocate for policy changes.

“These issues can be addressed by utilising available technology, engaging community health workers to enhance proper outreach and building partnerships with non-governmental organisations, government agencies and the private sector to improve the capacity of quality delivery,” he said.

Benue NVMA Chairman, Benue Dr Andrew Amine, said that there was a need for collaboration rather than competition among professionals so that they would not be left behind.

Amine described the World Veterinary Day celebration as one of the biggest events for veterinarians across the world.

“The livestock subsector is laden with untapped potential which needs to be explored, as it is consistently dynamic with some newer methods of farming as well as new equipment and facilities.

“The Benue NVMA under me took time to unite and revamp the association so as to give it a deserved place in the society as we liaised with legends and all members of the profession.

“We have also done investiture for executive committee members, board of advisers and patrons/patronesses of the association, which is the first of any state chapter in Nigeria.

“We also urge veterinarians to register for the NVMA cooperative, which was set up to support the start-up and expansion of business by giving our soft loans to younger veterinarians in the state,” he said.

Amine also called on para-veterinarians that the association has different levels of training and should resist the temptation to do everything and must know their limit and invite veterinarians to step in when their skills end.

“We should ensure that farmers, pet owners and caregivers must put up their best practice, as the era of self-medication is over; we must roll up our sleeves and get to work while collaborating with professionals and sister organisations in the fight against climate change.

“The challenge the association is having at the moment is the issue of mobility, which has hindered operation, which is why we solicit the support of veterinarians and paraprofessionals to purchase a bus for the association,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the highlight of the programme was the presentation of honorary awards to the President of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN), Prof. Mathew Adamu.

NAN reports that awards were also presented to the Zonal Commander of the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service, Mr David Shehu, and some outstanding members of the association. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Peter Amine