The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, NVMA, Abia State chapter, has appealed to the Abia State Police Command to assist it in tackling quackery in the profession.
The association made the appeal on Wednesday when the executive members of the NVMA visited the Commissioner of Police, Abia Command, CP Wilfred Afolabi.
The Abia veterinary doctors who were led by the chairman, Dr. Jude Stephen, expressed concern that some unqualified persons administer inappropriate or unsafe vaccines to animals, warning that such activities posed dangers to public health.
They noted that the unwholesome activities of the quacks pose serious implications for public health, particularly through the consumption of affected animals and their products.
The veterinary doctors emphasised that protecting animal health is closely linked to protecting human health, given the direct relationship between animal welfare, food safety and public wellbeing.
They also solicited the support of the police in addressing the issues of cross-border animal movement as well as public sensitisation.
The association further thanked the Commissioner of Police, CP Wilfred Afolabi, for the command's efforts in sustaining security.
In his response, Afolabi assured the veterinary doctors of the command’s continued support. He further stated that the command would collaborate with them in addressing their concerns.