Dr Muhammed Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, says veterinarians must remain vigilant in surveillance, prevention and control efforts to mitigate the risks of zoonotic disease outbreaks, epidemics and pandemics.
A zoonotic disease is a disease or infection that can be transmitted naturally from vertebrate animals to humans or from humans to vertebrate animals.
Pate made the call in Abuja at the commemoration of the 2024 World Veterinary Day with the theme “Veterinarians are essential health workers.’’
The event was organised by the FCT Chapter of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA).
Delivering a keynote address, the minister said collaboration was paramount in controlling the multifaceted challenges in the country health system.
He said that veterinary competencies must be regarded as an essential and integral part of health at large.
