In a bold move to protect animals and, by extension, human health and welfare, the Lagos State Government, in collaboration with the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), has launched a crackdown on veterinary quackery in the state.
Yesterday, November 20th, 2024, a team of veterinary professionals and law enforcement officers raided the premises of Mr Ifeanyi, popularly known as IFECODOG, a notorious veterinary quack operating in the Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos State.
The quack, who has been parading himself as a veterinarian, was found administering substandard and unapproved veterinary medications to unsuspecting animal owners. The team also discovered a stash of drugs and medications, as well as fake veterinary certificates and licenses with which he plies his trade.
This clampdown is part of a broader effort by the Lagos State Government to eliminate veterinary quackery and ensure that only qualified and licensed professionals provide animal healthcare.
The extra-label use of drugs and medications in animal health by quacks and untrained and unqualified individuals is one of the leading causes of AntiMicrobial Resistance (AMR) is one of the most severe global public health threats in this century.
The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) has commended the Lagos State Government for taking decisive action against veterinary quackery.
“This clampdown is a significant step towards ensuring that qualified professionals provide animal healthcare,” said Dr Ofua Mark, Chairman of NVMA Lagos Chapter.
“Veterinarians are charged primarily with maintaining animal health and welfare. But even more importantly, we stand at the doorway between Animal Health and Human Health to ensure animal diseases do not spill over to humans. Incidentally, this is the World AntiMicrobial Resistance Awareness week, a period set aside to raise global awareness of the dangers of this multiple-headed hydra, and arrests such as this are a huge step in the right direction.”
The Lagos NVMA chairman also stated, “Activities of quacks such as Mr. Ifeanyi administering drugs they are not trained to handle will jeopardize not only animal health but also Human health by giving rise to issues such as drug residue in meat and other animal by-products and even more infamously give rise to Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) which is said to be one of the most significant threats to Human Health in the 21st century. We will continue to work with the government to eliminate veterinary quackery and promote animal health and welfare.”
The Lagos State Government and the NVMA hereby read the Riot Act to quacks operating in the State, stating that it will no longer be business as usual as they will be rooted out and face the full brunt of the law. It also urges animal owners to be vigilant, ensure they patronize only qualified veterinarians, and report any suspicious veterinary practices to the authorities.
