Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, has sensitised aquaculture and poultry value chain farmers on best practices, towards promoting safety and security, as well as mitigating risk associated with antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Commissioner in the Ministry, Hon. Bolu Owotomo, while speaking during the sensitisation programme in Abeokuta, said it was part of activities to mark the 2024 World Antimicrobial Resistance Week with the theme, “Educate, Advocate and Act now” organised by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in conjunction with the state Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security with support from Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), at the Veterinary Hospital Complex, Ita-Eko, Abeokuta.
Owotomo, represented by Director, Veterinary Services, Dr. Taiwo Jolaoso, said the agency was concerned about the dangers of antimicrobial misuse.
The Commissioner stated that, some aquaculture and poultry farmers often fail to get prescriptions from professionals, leading to the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials, adding that professionals, such as veterinary doctors, play a crucial role in preventing AntiMicrobial Resistance (AMR).
“All hands must be on deck to create awareness and enlighten public on the dangers associated with misuse and overuse of antimicrobials”, he said.
Owotomo pointed out that the sector would benefit from collective efforts by the state government, farmers, health practitioners and other stakeholders to tackle the danger of AMR.
Contributing, Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, Dr. Columba Vakuru, represented by the state Coordinator, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Oluwatoyin Ayo-Ajayi, added that AMR had become a global issue due to the inability to treat common infectious diseases resulting from the misuse and overuse of antibiotics.
Vakuru emphasised that the use of antimicrobials in livestock production systems should only be based on prescriptions by qualified veterinary doctors after laboratory confirmation of clinical diagnoses.
The FAO representative, Dr. Ola jungle Solomon, and a guest speaker, Dr. Ayopo Aderounmu, highlighted the importance of seeking qualified veterinary advice in administering drugs to livestock, emphasizing the need to prevent losses in the business and maintain a clean environment.
In her part, Director, Department of Fisheries Services, Princess Victoria Ojelade said aquaculture availability of clean water was essential to avoid diseases, as such would reduce AMR, assuring that fish farmers would get more training to further engage in best practices.
Participants, including a fish farmer, Mr. Olusesi Kuyoro and poultry farmer, Mrs. Taiwo Olatunji, appreciated the organisers, describing the sensitisation programme as an eye-opener, promising to utilise the knowledge gained to ensure best practices in the sector.
Highlight of the event was a drama presentation, quiz and debate competitions organised to mark the week.
