By George George Idowu
Former Chairman of the Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), FCT Chapter, Dr. Ifeanyi Ogbu has emphasized the importance of maintaining routine vaccination for poultry and other livestock to curb mortality rates resulting from disease outbreaks.
Speaking during an interview in Abuja on Wednesday, Ogbu addressed concerns regarding the mortality rate of birds despite regular vaccination efforts.
He identified potential factors contributing to vaccination failure, such as expired vaccines, improper administration by unqualified individuals, incorrect dosage, and breaches in the preservation cold chain.
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Highlighting bacteria and virus infections as the primary causes of mortality in poultry farming, Ogbu underscored the challenges associated with treating viral infections, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures.
He urged farmers to enlist the expertise of qualified veterinary doctors for farm management, particularly in the administration of drugs and vaccines, and emphasized the significance of purchasing vaccines from reputable veterinary sources.
Furthermore, he advised farmers to thoroughly review vaccine instructions before administration and seek veterinary consultation in case of any challenges on the farm.
In addition, Ogbu recommended that individuals considering poultry or livestock farming obtain insurance coverage from the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC) to mitigate losses resulting from mortality
Concluding his remarks, he stressed the importance of consulting with a veterinary doctor before embarking on livestock farming, emphasizing the role of professional guidance in ensuring the health and well-being of farm animals.
