With millions of lives at risk globally from zoonotic diseases, Moses Arokoya, President of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), warned that livestock-related illnesses account for 65 per cent of human diseases in Nigeria.
He made the revelation at the 61st Annual National Congress/Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the NVMA held in Jalingo on Monday. Arokoya explained that zoonotic diseases are on the rise in the country, contributing to 2.7 million deaths globally each year.
The NVMA President also decried the state of abattoirs in Nigeria, noting that poor facilities have enhanced microbial resistance, as many Nigerians consume drugs administered to livestock before slaughter. He stressed that modern abattoirs are needed in all 774 local government areas to tackle this public health challenge.
Dr Arokoya said the choice of Taraba State for the conference was strategic, highlighting plans to establish a Disease-Free Zone (DFZ) in the Mambilla Plateau within Sardauna Local Government Area. He noted that eliminating diseases in the plateau would allow for the production of large metric tons of fresh meat.
He further emphasized that more DFZs are needed nationwide to make livestock production a key economic driver.
As of 2025, zoonotic diseases continue to pose significant public health challenges globally, with millions affected annually.
Globally, the United Nations and its affiliated bodies report that 60 per cent of all known infectious diseases in humans are zoonotic, rising to 75 per cent for newly emerging infectious diseases. The UN also emphasizes the importance of the One Health approach, integrating human, animal, and environmental health to better prevent, detect, and respond to these threats.
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