The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association has warned about an outbreak of zoonotic diseases if the animals rescued from the Borno flooding are not properly taken care of.
Zoonotic diseases are infectious illnesses that spread between animals and humans.
The diseases spread through contact with infected body fluids, animal bites, contaminated water and eating infected meat.
In a statement on Thursday, the President of the NVMA, Dr Moses Arokoyo, lamented that about 80 percent of the animals in the Borno zoo have been affected by the flood.
He urged all levels of government to prioritise the safety of animals, both in zoos and in the wild, impacted by the recent flooding in Borno State.
He added that the NVMA is mobilising its expertise and resources to support both human and animal victims of the flood.
“According to reports, the heavy rains have not only displaced thousands of residents but have also impacted local wildlife and zoo animals in ways that demand urgent attention. The NVMA is mobilizing its expertise and resources to support both human and animal victims of this natural disaster.
“The flood in Borno has caused devastation across communities, displacing families and causing widespread damage to properties and livelihoods.
“Among those affected are animals, particularly those in local zoos and wildlife safety zones, where their living conditions have been severely compromised. Reports indicate that 80 per cent of the animals in the zoo have been victims of the flood, and many are now in distress, facing the risk of disease, injury, and malnutrition due to the flooding of their habitats,” he said.
Arokoyo stated that veterinarians in Borno State have been tasked with collaborating with local caretakers to provide all necessary assistance and expertise to ensure the safekeeping of both the animals and humans in the state.
“We aim to ensure that animals are promptly rescued from residential areas, receive emergency medical attention, and are given temporary shelter.
“We are ready to work alongside state and federal governments, as well as non-governmental organisations, to provide relief efforts. While our focus is on animal welfare, we are equally committed to supporting human healthcare initiatives, recognising that the health of our communities is closely linked to the health of animals in our environment.
“This disaster underscores the need for greater preparedness and preventive measures. We advocate for stronger disaster management policies that include clear protocols for animal welfare. Veterinarians have a key role in shaping these policies and ensuring that animals are not neglected during crises,” he said.
Arokoyo also spoke of the need for each state to establish a rapid response team that includes veterinarians to manage such unexpected events and ensure the overall safety of not just the lives of Nigerians, but also animals.
“The NVMA remains committed to alleviating the suffering caused by this tragedy and ensuring that humans and animals receive the care they desperately need. We stand in solidarity with the people and animals of Borno State,” Arokoyo said.