FAO trains 30 Veterinarians, Animal Handlers on Animal Diseases Control

The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) trained 30 veterinarians and Animal handlers through its ongoing In-Service Veterinary Epidemiology Training (ISAVET) to detect and control animal diseases, including zoonotic diseases that can affect humans.

ISAVET programme is a 4-month in-service training that is divided into a one-month didactic classroom learning and three months of field activities under the guidance of ISAVET Trainers and Mentors and coordinated by ISAVET Academic adviser and the National Coordinator,
Emergency Center for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD) Nigeria.

The training aims to enhance the capacity of Frontline Veterinarians in Epidemiologic surveillance, Field investigation, professional ethics and emergency preparedness and response.

Addressing the graduating trainees, the National Coordinator ISAVET, Professor Hannatu Lombin said it was a unique opportunity for them to be part of the training designed to help them navigate the world of animal health.

She urged them to use what they have learnt to impact the their work environment.

“I will implore you all to use this opportunity to make a difference, let this exposure herald the beginning of a new paradigm shift in disease surveillance and reporting in your places of work”.

Use this experience to develop habits and work ethics and culture that will positively influence the veterinary profession.

Go out and shine like the Stars you already are. The Veterinary Profession is counting on you to make giant strides. Remember the saying “Nobody outmatches an epidemiologist”.

“Therefore, it is expected that you go out and cascade the training that you have received to relevant stakeholders at your place of work”.

The Representative of the FAO at the event, Dr. Otto Muhinda, said FAO would continue to work to strengthen cooperations that will go a long way in enhancing and bringing more innovations to Animal health development in Nigeria.

According to Dr. Muhinda, the FAO established a new ECTAD team to focus on the control of Zoonotic diseases, Anti-microbial resistance, Biosecurity and Biosafety and workforce development.