PAN Calls for Tighter Control of Veterinary Drugs

The Poultry Association of Nigeria has called for stronger regulation of veterinary medicinal products to protect the poultry industry. The association warned that the spread of unauthorised and substandard veterinary drugs is threatening poultry production and food security. The call was contained in a position paper presented at a ministerial stakeholders’ roundtable.

PAN urged the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to extend regulation across the entire value chain. The association said controls should cover importation, local production, distribution, sales and use of veterinary medicines. It said wider regulation would help address the circulation of questionable pharmaceutical products.

The association, led by National President Sunday Ezeobiora, said the poultry sector is a major investment that supports national food security. It said poultry farmers continue to suffer losses due to drug failure and ineffective treatment. PAN said counterfeit and substandard veterinary medicines remain a major challenge.

According to the association, unauthorised veterinary drugs have led to higher bird mortality and reduced growth rates. It said farmers have also recorded lower egg production and business closures. PAN warned that residues in poultry meat and eggs could pose risks to public health.

The association said the use of substandard medicines could weaken Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and international markets. It added that disease outbreaks and poor treatment results have reduced trust between farmers and veterinarians. PAN said the situation has created frustration within the industry.

PAN called for strict enforcement of existing laws regulating veterinary medicines, including the Animal Diseases Control Act 2022. The association said permits issued by the Chief Veterinary Officer should be required for importing veterinary products. It also called for the establishment of a National Veterinary Formulary to guide regulation and ensure product safety.

The association urged stronger regulation of locally produced veterinary medicines. It called on government agencies to work together to ensure proper verification and authorization of products before sale. PAN also recommended improved veterinary supervision and monitoring at state and local government levels.

PAN said only accredited veterinarians and paraveterinarians should be allowed to administer specialised veterinary medicines. It also called for awareness campaigns to educate farmers on the dangers of unauthorised drugs. The association urged strict penalties for those involved in producing and selling fake veterinary medicines.

PAN said sustained funding is needed to support enforcement and public awareness programmes. It proposed a long-term action plan from 2026 to 2031 to address substandard veterinary medicines. The association pledged to work with the Ministry of Livestock Development and other stakeholders to protect the poultry industry.