Zoonoses, climate and counterfeit medicines: The cry of alarm from Senegalese veterinary medicine

As a crucial link in food sovereignty, veterinary medicine faces many changes, particularly in climate and health. Therefore, to strengthen the profession, which aims to protect animal production and the quality of food for the population, the APVS (Association of Veterinary Surgeons) laid the groundwork for discussion at a congress.

The first congress of the Association of Veterinary Practitioners of Senegal (APVS) opened around the theme: "Meeting the challenges of tomorrow: Senegalese veterinary medicine facing climatic, health and socio-economic changes".

Practitioners highlighted several constraints affecting the profession, including the effects of climate change, the emergence of new diseases, the shortage of veterinarians in rural areas, and the illicit circulation of veterinary medicines.

Thus, practitioners want to anticipate the new challenges facing their sector. Gathered for their first congress, veterinary practitioners called for better adaptation of the profession to the changes affecting the livestock sector.

Climate change is at the heart of these concerns. According to the president of the APVS, Dr. Ousseynou Diouf, climate disruptions are particularly affecting the pastoral calendar and directly impacting livestock production. Variations in rainfall are forcing herders to modify their movements in search of more favorable areas, with consequences for their livelihoods.

Adding to this situation is the re-emergence of certain animal diseases. Rift Valley fever, cited as an example, is now a major concern for professionals. The APVS also notes the proliferation of several zoonoses and avian diseases, which require better preparation among veterinarians.

“Veterinarians need to be equipped with cutting-edge technology to be able to respond effectively to these new animal health concerns… Climate change is a reality, and it is causing the emergence and re-emergence of many diseases. For almost three to five years now, we have been witnessing a proliferation of zoonoses. Last year, we observed Mpox, Rift Valley fever, and also avian influenza, which is present here in our farms. Our discussions will focus primarily on these mutations,” explains the president of the APVS, Dr. Ousseynou Diouf.

The illicit sale of medicines is a cause for concern.

Another major topic raised during the congress was the sale of veterinary medicines outside of authorized channels.

The president of the APVS believes that the proliferation of parallel markets constitutes not only unfair competition for professionals, but also a public health problem. In particular, the misuse of veterinary medicines can promote antibiotic resistance and lead to the presence of antibiotic residues in meat, eggs, and other consumer products.

Practitioners are therefore calling for greater respect for the regulations governing the practice of veterinary medicine and pharmacy. They also want a clarification of the roles between the various stakeholders involved in livestock farming.

Strengthening the presence of veterinarians in rural areas

The lack of practitioners in certain areas of the country is also a concern. Ousmane Diagne, Minister Delegate to the Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Livestock, responsible for Livestock, acknowledged that livestock farmers are calling for more veterinarians in the field.

For the minister, it is necessary to create the conditions to motivate professionals to join the most remote areas of the country.

“It is now up to our department to ensure that veterinary practitioners are sufficiently motivated to agree to go into the depths of Senegal,” he said.

Thus, in the face of these changes, the APVS intends to focus on continuing education and upgrading equipment. The goal is to enable veterinarians to better respond to the proliferation of new diseases and the increasing demands of the field.

The congress is also expected to produce resolutions concerning the future of the profession and the updating of the legislative framework. Practitioners thus hope to formulate proposals that can support public authorities in addressing the challenges related to animal health.