The Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria (CVON), Dr. Columba Vakuru, disclosed this in Abeokuta at a 2-day training workshop organised by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), in collaboration with the Ogun State Government with support from World Bank's Reddies Project and Nigerian Center for Disease Control (NCDC) for public and private animal health workers on the use of National Animal Disease Information System (NADIS) software application.
Dr. Vakuru stated that the training was aimed at getting information on animal disease from analogy to the digital form, for effectiveness, saying the app was for the enhancement of disease surveillance system.
Represented by the Coordinator, FMARD, Ogun State, Dr. Toyin Ayo-Ajayi, Dr. Vakuru, said the training would also enhance the capacity of the veterinarians on disease reporting through the use of NADIS.
In his welcome address, the State Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Taiwo Jolaoso stated that the disease report is an integral part of preventing and controlling the spread of diseases with a view to avoiding disastrous consequences on socio-economic and public health.
In his presentation, the lead facilitator, Dr.Taiwo Olasoju said it was imperative for all stakeholders in animal health to play an active role in identifying and reporting diseases for swift action by relevant government agencies, noting that ‘’the NADIS App will improve the quantity and quality of data on animal diseases in the country’’.
Another facilitator, Dr. Bolanle Apanisile added that a good disease report would provide the necessary data needed to help the government in planning and budgeting for animal health projects.
Speaking on behalf of other participants, Dr. Gbenga Afolabi, commended the Federal and State governments for the initiative, promising that the app when in use would be maximally utilised for accurate and timely reports on animal diseases across the State.
