Borno flooding: Vet association promises support
By Felicia Imohimi
The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) has promised to support both human and animal victims of flood disaster in parts of Borno.
Dr Moses Arokoyo, the National President of the association, made the promise on Wednesday in Abuja.
He noted that the flooding in parts of the state had displaced many residents and affected local wildlife system and animals in the zoological garden in ways that demanded urgent attention.
He promised the association’s commitment to alleviating the suffering caused by the disaster, ensuring that both humans and animals would receive urgent care.
“The flooding in Borno have wreaked havoc across communities, displacing families and causing widespread damage to property and livelihoods.
“Among those affected are animals, particularly those in local zoological garden and wildlife safety zones, where their living conditions have been compromised.
“Reports state that many of the animals in the zoo have been victims of the flooding and so many of the animals are in distress, facing the risk of disease, injury and malnutrition,” Arokoyo said.
Arokoyo, who sympathised with victims, saw the disaster as a reminder that both human and animal welfare should be guaranteed in such occurrence.
He added that neglecting one part could jeopardise the other, as zoonotic diseases might emerge when animals in distress were left without care.
“This is where our dual function responsibility as veterinarians comes into play in the spirit of One-Health,” he noted.
He called for stronger disaster management policies that would include clear protocols for animal welfare.
He emphasised that veterinarians had a role to play in shaping these policies and ensuring that animals were not forgotten in times of crisis.
“It has become highly critical with the global climate change for each state to have a rapid response team inclusive of veterinarians for such unexpected occurrences for the overall safety of lives.
“Beyond the immediate response, this disaster highlights the need for greater preparedness and preventive measures,” Arokoyo said.
He said that veterinarians in the state were charged to be on the ground in collaboration with local caretakers to provide all necessary assistance and expertise to ensure safe keeping of animals and the human populace.
He promised the readiness of veterinarians to work hand in hand with state and federal government and non-governmental organisations to provide relief efforts. (NAN)