President Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Dr Moses Arokoyo, Tuesday, said that 65 percent of human diseases in Nigeria are livestock related.

Arokoyo made the declaration at the 61st Annual National Congress/Annual General Meeting (AGM) of NVMA held in Jalingo, the capital of Taraba state.

He added that zoonotic diseases are on the increase in Nigeria, adding that 2.7 million lives were globally lost annually due to zoonotic diseases.

He added  that the choice of Taraba for the conference was strategic, noting that a Disease Free Zone (DFZ) would be established on the Mambilla Plateau, Sardauna local government area of Taraba.

The president added that the eradication of diseases from Mambilla Plateau would cause the production of large metric tons of fresh meat that may qualify for export that would generate foreign exchange for the country.

Arokoyo said more DFZ were needed in the country to make livestock production an economic stimulus.

The president further decried the state of abattoirs in Nigeria, saying that poor abattoirs have enhanced microbial resistance as most Nigerians consumed drugs used in the treatment of livestock before being slaughtered.

He said modern abattoirs are needed in the 774 local government areas to address the menace.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for the reforms in the livestock sector, adding that the veterinarians needed an empowerment from the federal government to enhance their performance.

Arokoyo also requested the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to include them in their disaster intervention Policy.

He stated the need to include veterinarians in the preparedness and response strategies for emergencies.