ADDIS ABABA– The Agriculture Authority said it has been partnering with relevant government agencies to overcome pressing challenges in Ethiopia’s livestock export.
Speaking to The Ethiopian Herald, Authority Director General Diriba Kuma stated that low quality in livestock vaccines and medicines are significantly affecting the livestock export. In addition, contraband and absence of wariness are also contributing to low-quality drug distributions.
In this regard, the Authority has been working together with the Ethiopian Customs Commission and security agencies in fighting illicit trades of livestock drugs that are attempting to smuggle expired medicines into the local market.
According to Diriba, the widespread use of low-quality drugs in the livestock sector is really a concern for Ethiopia. Compared to its potential, the country’s livestock export is insignificant and substandard medications are adversely affecting the competitiveness and quality of livestock products, ultimately affecting the revenue that is generated from the sector.
Authorities urge stringent measures to ensure the quality and safety of drugs used in animal husbandry to safeguard both animal welfare and consumer health.
Considering the problem, the authority general mentioned that a list of essential medicines and vaccines that could standardize medications have been adopted. In collaboration with NGOs and pharmaceutical drug importers, the government is also working to enhance medication quality in the livestock sector.
“Because of the absence of essential drugs standard, new and improved drugs used in several other countries are not available here in Ethiopia.”
The government is supporting livestock pharmaceutical manufacturers that would help to bring desirable product quality and commercialization in the sector. The livestock medication process is undeveloped yet, but we believe that we are on the breakthrough stage since transformations are in the pipeline,” Diriba remarked.
BY YESUF ENDRIS
The Ethiopian herald May 4/2024
