The Oyo State chapter of the Association of Private Veterinary Medical Practitioners (APVMP) has called for urgent action to reduce the misuse of antibiotics in animal farming, highlighting the dangers of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to public health and food safety.
This was the focus of a one-day symposium held at the Oyo State Veterinary Hospital Complex, Mokola , Ibadan in celebration of World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week. Themed โEducate. Advocate. Act now,โ the event brought together veterinary professionals, farmers, and researchers to discuss “Reducing the Need for Antibiotic Use in Nigeriaโs Food Animal Production System” with focus on sustainable farming practices and alternative approaches to antibiotics.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Dr. Selim Alarape, from the Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Ibadan, stressed that the overuse of antibiotics in animal farming poses serious risks to both animal and human health.
โAntibiotics are not the first solution to animal health challenges. Farmers must prioritize preventive measures such as biosecurity, vaccination, and improved animal welfare. Farms are not party centers, visitors’ presence should be limited; they must be kept clean, secure, and well-fenced to limit external contamination and disease spread,โ Dr. Alarape emphasized.
He called for a collaborative approach involving farmers, veterinary pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, and researchers to create awareness about the dangers of antibiotic misuse and to promote safer alternatives.
In his remarks, the Oyo State Chairman of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, Dr. John Famoyin, reiterated the importance of educating farmers about the responsible use of antibiotics,
Dr. Famoyin also appreciated the participation of farmers and other stakeholders, noting the encouraging turnout. He assured farmers that more programs would be organized to address their challenges and prepare them for best practices in livestock production.
โFarmers should get ready; more programs like this are coming. We are committed to equipping you with the knowledge and skills you need to improve your farms,โ he said.
The Vice President of APVMP, Dr. Olubukola Olayemi, underscored the connection between animal health and public health.
โMany human deaths are caused by zoonotic diseasesโthose transmitted from animals to humans. The indiscriminate use of antibiotics has worsened this problem. This program is our way of sensitizing livestock farmers and discouraging the misuse of antibiotics in animals,โ she said.
Dr. Niyi Bankole added that veterinary prescription should be mandatory before antibiotics are used on livestock, emphasizing the need for biosecurity measures to prevent diseases before they occur.
Farmers in attendance praised the symposium for its practical insights. Mrs. Akintunde Oguntoye, a fish farmer, said
โThis program has been very enlightening. I will take the lessons Iโve learned back to my farm and share them with other farmers in my network.โ
Similarly, a poultry farmer Mrs. Ogunjide Taiwo commended the organizers for their efforts, adding that she gained valuable knowledge on improving farming practices without over-relying on antibiotics.
โThis initiative is a step in the right direction. I have learned so much today, and I hope the organizers will continue to create programs like this. We farmers need consistent support to improve our practicesโ.
Veterinary pharmaceutical companies present provided some information on products and strategies that can be used instead of antibiotics to prevent and treat infectious diseases. Farmers were advised to always consult veterinary doctors for guidance on preventing animal diseases and recommendations on alternative treatments to replace antibiotics, that will be suitable for their farms.
