By Nicholas Dechi
Veterinarians have been urged to always conduct proper diagnoses before prescribing antibiotics to animals, as wrong diagnoses often render all subsequent treatment efforts ineffective.
The Director, Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH), Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JOSTUM), Prof. Abdullahi Elsa gave the advice while speaking on the topic “Practical Steps for Clinicians in Combating Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)” during a workshop for Consultants, Clinicians and Paraprofessionals on Friday in Makurdi.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organised by VTH, JOSTUM and the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA).
Elsa warned that the misuse of antibiotics without confirming bacterial infections was fuelling antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Nigeria and threatening both animal and human health.
“Once diagnosis is not rightly done, every other stage becomes problematic.
“Antibiotics should never be prescribed unless the cause of the illness has been properly identified,” he advised.
He explained that antibiotics are classified into three categories: those with low resistance potential, those with moderate to high resistance potential, and reserved antibiotics with very high resistance potential that should be used only as a last resort.
The professor also stressed the importance of hygiene in clinical practice, urging clinicians and technologists to wash their hands or wear clean gloves before collecting samples.
“Use only approved sample bottles, not any other container no matter how clean it appears to be,” he advised.
He further urged veterinarians to lead by example and stop selling or processing dead animals for consumption, warning that such acts endanger public health.
Earlier, the Benue Chairman, NVMA, Dr Andrew Amine, said that trying to bridge the gap between clinicians and paraprofessionals was a very difficult job.
Amine added that was the reason why the workshop was organised, disclosing that the goal of the workshop was to collaborate to promote partnership and not antagonism among professionals in the sector.
The AMR Focal Person at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Dr Allabeh Grema, spoke on “Strengthening Integrated Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Nigeria”.
Grema said the workshop was aimed at developing a comprehensive passive AMR data-sharing and reporting framework to standardise data collection and management across animal and environmental sectors.
He explained that passive AMR surveillance involves gathering data from routine diagnostic samples submitted to laboratories rather than through targeted studies.
“This approach allows for informed decision-making to mitigate the risks associated with antimicrobial resistance,” he said.
Prof. Chinedu Akwoubu, Chairman Antimicrobial Stewardship Committee
said the workshop was designed to enlighten participants about antimicrobial resistance and its growing threat to human and animal health.
He lamented that many farmers still administer antibiotics to their animals without professional guidance, often leading to treatment failure and further resistance.
Akwoubu advised farmers to always consult trained veterinarians, paraprofessionals, and technologists for proper diagnosis and treatment of animal diseases. NAN
