Veterinary professionals have warned that poor veterinary practices across Nigeria’s livestock sector are escalating public health risks, with growing concerns over antimicrobial resistance and unsafe food consumption.
Speaking in separate interviews in Lagos, the experts stressed that weak animal healthcare systems are not only undermining livestock productivity but also posing serious threats to human health through contaminated food and the spread of zoonotic diseases.
A poultry industry stakeholder and animal health expert, Dr Mobolaji Alao, explained that human and animal health systems are deeply interconnected, noting that a significant proportion of disease-causing organisms affecting humans originate from animals. He said the lack of professional training among many small and medium-scale livestock farmers has contributed to unsafe practices, particularly in animal husbandry and drug administration.
According to him, poor management of livestock often leads to frequent disease outbreaks, prompting excessive and inappropriate use of antibiotics. He warned that such misuse results in drug residues in animal products including meat, eggs and milk, which are eventually consumed by humans.
Dr Alao further highlighted the widespread disregard for withdrawal periods required after administering veterinary drugs, explaining that although these periods are meant to ensure food safety, economic pressures push farmers to sell products prematurely. He cautioned that continuous exposure to antibiotic residues, even in small quantities, contributes to antimicrobial resistance, reducing the effectiveness of treatment when humans fall ill.
He also raised concerns over unhygienic meat processing practices, noting that animals are sometimes slaughtered with visible drug residues still present, allowing contaminated products to enter the food chain.
Echoing similar concerns, the President of the World Veterinary Association, Dr Olatunji Nasir, described veterinarians as critical to maintaining safe food systems and protecting public health. He emphasised that veterinary services play a central role throughout the food production chain, from breeding and rearing to inspection before and after slaughter.
He noted that a majority of infectious and emerging diseases affecting humans are zoonotic, stressing that effective veterinary oversight helps prevent outbreaks before they reach human populations.
Also contributing, the Lagos State Chairman of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, Dr Mark Ofua, said veterinary medicine remains fundamental to public health, food security and economic stability. He warned that densely populated environments increase the risk of disease transmission where veterinary surveillance is weak.
Dr Ofua added that veterinarians play a vital role in preventing the spread of diseases such as rabies, tuberculosis, avian influenza and monkeypox, while ensuring that food products are safe for consumption. He stressed that neglecting veterinary systems could lead to disease outbreaks, economic losses and avoidable deaths.
The experts collectively called for urgent reforms, including stronger regulation, improved infrastructure and increased awareness among farmers. They also advocated for the adoption of a One Health approach, which integrates human, animal and environmental health systems to effectively tackle emerging health challenges.
They maintained that investing in veterinary services is critical to ensuring safer food systems, reducing healthcare burdens and strengthening Nigeria’s overall public health framework.
