Skip to main content

Veterinary Council of Nigeria Convenes Emergency Meeting after Sudden Horse Deaths at Jos Polo Club

The Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN) expresses deep concern following the sudden deaths of 20 horses at the Jos Polo Club in Plateau State.

Emergency Meeting and Investigation

On learning of this incident, Dr. Aishatu Abubakar, mni, President of the VCN, immediately convened an emergency council board meeting on May 4, 2024. During the meeting, the VCN:

  • Received a preliminary report from Professor P.H. Bamaiyi, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Jos.
  • Directed the Chairman of the Investigation Committee to expedite their investigation and bring any responsible parties to justice.

Preliminary Findings

The preliminary report suggests the incident occurred on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at the Jos Polo Club. A stable of 36 Sudanese horses, valued between 2-3 million naira each, exhibited acute, progressive neurological signs.

The report indicates:

  • Initial deaths of four horses occurred within 48 hours of oral administration of a high dosage of ivermectin.
  • Clinical signs included:
    • Difficulty standing and lying down (lateral recumbency)
    • Lethargy (generalized depression)
    • Impaired coordination (ataxia)
    • Drooping lips and drooling
    • Muscle twitching (fasciculations)
    • Dilated pupils unresponsive to light (mydriasis)
    • Coma
  • These signs worsened over 36 hours following ivermectin administration.

Condemning Quackery and Protecting Animal Health

The VCN strongly condemns all forms of unqualified veterinary practices (quackery). The Council is committed to protecting animal health and welfare in Nigeria. We will take all necessary steps to ensure a thorough investigation and hold those responsible accountable.

The VCN urges all horse owners to only seek veterinary care from qualified professionals.


Dr. Femi Kayode

Chairman, ICT & Publicity, VCN, Abuja

For VCN

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Historic Move: Veterinary Council of Nigeria Welcomes NAAHT President to Board, Signaling Unity and Progress

Abuja, Nigeria – March. 1st, 2025  – In a landmark decision poised to reshape the landscape of animal health in Nigeria, AIG Aishatu Abubakar Baju, OON, mni, President of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN), has inducted Mr. Salihu Abubakar, National President of the Nigerian Association of Animal Health and Husbandry Technologists (NAAHHT), as a member of the VCN Board. This historic move marks a significant step towards fostering collaboration and addressing long-standing challenges within the nation's animal health system. The inclusion of the NAAHT President on the VCN Board has been eagerly anticipated by stakeholders across the sector. For years, the relationship between veterinarians and animal health technologists has faced complexities, leading to operational inefficiencies and hindering the optimal delivery of animal health services. This appointment is seen as a pivotal moment to bridge the gap, streamline operations, and drive sustainable growth. "This is a mo...
3 comments
Read more

Veterinary Council of Nigeria Honors Leaders with Building and Street Renaming at 118th RCM

Abuja, Nigeria – In a significant move to recognize and immortalize the contributions of esteemed leaders within the veterinary profession, the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN) has announced the renaming of key buildings and streets within its premises. The honor was bestowed during the 118th Regular Council Meeting (RCM), marking a historic moment for the council and the veterinary community nationwide. The initiative aims to pay tribute to individuals who have made indelible marks on the VCN and the advancement of veterinary services in Nigeria. The recipients, a distinguished group of veterinarians, academics, and administrators, were celebrated for their dedication and service. The newly designated locations are as follows: Conference Room 1: Oba Dr. Kamoru A. O. Sansi Conference Room 2: Dr. Abubakar G. Lamorde Hall 1: AIG Aishatu Abubakar Baju OON mni 1st Floor: Dr. Olusola O. Onoviran 2nd Floor: Dr. Kesley B. David-West 3rd Floor: Dr. Musa Goni 4th Floor: Dr. Jo...
Post a Comment
Read more

VALEDICTORY SPEECH BY THE OUT GOING PRESIDENT OF THE VETERINARY COUNCIL OF NIGERIA (VCN), AIG AISHATU ABUBAKAR BAJU, DVM, Ph.D. NPOM, OON, mni ON MONDAY 3RD OF MARCH, 2025

Protocol, Distinguished members of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria, esteemed colleagues, and honored guests, ladies and gentlemen, good morning. I feel very honoured, delighted and privileged to address you today as I come to the end of my tenure as the 12 th President of the VCN. Today, I am filled with a sense of pride, gratitude, accomplishment and an absolute privilege to serve as the President of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria. I am honored to have had the opportunity to lead this esteemed organization and profession as the first female President of VCN. It was indeed a great journey in the last 5 years full of beautiful memories with great achievements but of course not without challenges. I want to thank you most sincerely for the trust and confidence you had in me to move our noble profession to this point. You will recall that we were elected as members of the Board by the Veterinary community, and I was subsequently elected as the President by my fellow Board members. ...
Post a Comment
Read more