‘We’ve significantly controlled zoonotic tuberculosis in humans – NVMA Chairman

As the world marks this year’s Tuberculosis Day, the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) has stated that the organization has made frantic efforts to control zoonotic tuberculosis in the human population.

Dr Tolu Omotugba, the Kogi State Chairman of NVMA, disclosed this on Sunday when he led his medical team to the Lokoja abattoir in Felele.

Omotugba noted that the choice of the abattoir for the celebration was to sensitize the butchers and abattoir workers about the deadly bacteria, which has now become a global epidemic.

The veterinary doctor emphasized the need to ensure strict hygiene during slaughter, adding that zoonotic tuberculosis has killed individuals across the world over the years.

He said, “My team and I, veterinary doctors, woke up at 5 am to carry out the meat inspection exercise at the abattoirs here in Lokoja. We do this on a daily basis just to protect the human population. We are the gatekeepers to public health.

“This deadly disease can be transferred from animals to humans. When there is weight loss, consistent coughing, and other symptoms, these are signs of tuberculosis in animals. When an animal is infected, and humans consume such an animal, you all know the outcome.

“According to data released by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2020, out of every ten million cases of tuberculosis, 10.4 percent, which is 140,000, are from animals.

“Out of these 140,000 cases, 114,000 deaths were recorded in 2020. In 2022, 130,000 people died worldwide as a result of tuberculosis. However, with our efforts as veterinary doctors, zoonotic tuberculosis has been significantly controlled in the human population,” he stated.

The association, however, presented materials such as nose masks, gloves, and boots to protect the abattoir workers against the deadly disease.

Responding, the Chairman of the Butchers Development Association in Kogi State, Idi Ibrahim, commended veterinary doctors in the state for their commitment to protecting public health. He called on the Government to establish a modern abattoir in line with global standards.

The NVMA team in Kogi State was joined by a special team from the Kogi State Center for Tuberculosis Program, led by Dr. Komolafe Rotimi, as well as representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Initiative for Grassroot Advancement in Nigeria (INGRA).