By Chiangi Avese, Makurdi
Benue State Chairman, Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Dr. Andrew Amine, has pledged the association’s preparedness to partner with Butchers Association in Makurdi to tackle the spread of tuberculosis from animals to human beings.
Dr Andrew Amine disclosed this during a sensitization visit to the Wurukum abattoir on Wednesday in Makurdi.
The Chairman reiterated that the association is ready to partner with the butchers and the abattoir workers to curtail the spread of tuberculosis from animals to humans to safeguard the health of the Benue populace.
Dr. Amine said, “tuberculosis can be eradicated through collaborative efforts of all the stakeholders. If we work together we will tackle the spread of the disease head on”.
The chairman said that as the theme for the year 2024 World Tuberculosis Day states, “we can end TB”, stressing that it could be eradicated if we truly work together.
He further appreciated the state Director of Livestock/Veterinary Services, Dr Edward Amali, for his unwavering support to the association.
Dr Nancy Nzelu, a Lecturer at the Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JOSTUM) in the department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, admonished butchers to always use hand gloves and apron while carrying out their tasks.
Nzelu stressed the need to protect themselves in order not to contact any disease as a result of slaughtering and butchering animals.
She explained they could contact diseases if they butcher infected animals or touch infected meat, then, eat food without washing their hands properly.
Mallam Umar Sarki, Chairman Butchers Association, Wurukum abattoir pledged the support of the butchers and promised to keep to the health standard.
