The kogi state Chapter of the – Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) has joined the rest of the world to celebrate this year , world Tuberculosis day with a call to butchers and abattoir managers across the country to ensure that all slaughtered animals meet the lay down specifications.
The call became imperative with the rising cases of zoonotic tuberculosis plaguing the society.
The state chairman of NVMA , Dr. Tolu Omotugba made the call on Sunday in Lokoja to mark the 2024 World Tuberculosis day .
The chairman who was joined at the event by a special team from the Kogi state center for tuberculosis program led by Dr Komolafe Rotimi to inspects and monitor the activities of veterinary personel working in some of the abattoirs in the state.
Omotugba who disclosed that march 24, every year, is dedicated globally for the tuberculosis eradication, saying his members have to join the rest of the world to upscale sensitisation and advocacy to abattoir workers about the danger of the bacteria causing tuberculosis that are prevalent in unwholesome meats.
He advised them to strictly follow all hygienic guidelines before slaughtering animals for public consumption.
He commended his members who wake up by 5am daily to carry out the meat inspection exercise at the abattoirs.
According to him, “they’re the gatekeepers to public health because their daily efforts is the reason why zoonotic tuberculosis has been significantly controlled in the state.
In a bid to appreciate and to spur the officers to put in their best in the service to humanity, the chairman, presented nose masks, gloves and boots to the abattoir workers to protect them against the deadly disease.
Meanwhile, some of the supporting partners like WHO and INGRA and other non governmental organizations who were attendance charge Nigerians to be mindful of the slaughtered meats they consume to prevent contacting tuberculosis.
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