By Doris Esa
Stakeholders have expressed the need for increased awareness in the prevention of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) disease.
The stakeholders spoke at a panel discussion which was part of activities to mark the World 2020 Antibiotics Awareness Week in Abuja.
Dr Olaniran Alabi, Director, Federal Ministry of Agriculture said that poultry farmers should be trained on the use of biosecurity to prevent the introduction and spread of HPAI and other diseases.
Alabis presentation was tagged, Role of Biosecurity in the Prevention of HPAI and AMR.
He noted that poultry farming represented an important sector in animal production in Nigeria.
Alabi urged all farmers and animal owners to build a healthy relationship with veterinary doctors in order to ensure that they were involved in preventing diseases on farms as well as treating outbreaks.
Dr Abubakar Suleiman, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), who joined the discussion virtually said FAO had taken steps in complementing governments efforts towards addressing AMR.
Dr Abiodun Egwuenu, AMR Programme Manager, Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC), said there was need for increased awareness of the public on dangers of using antibiotics without prescription.
Egwuenu said NCDC had trained over 35, 000 officials on bacterial infection adding that hand washing was very critical in preventing diseases.
Also speaking, Dr Peter Umana, from Disease and Pest Control Department, Federal Ministry of Agriculture, said government had been creating awareness but more was needed.
Umana said the fear of AMR caused farmers to misuse and abuse the application of antibiotics and disinfectants.
Source: NAN News