The Veterinary Officer shall oversee animal health, welfare, disease surveillance, ante-mortem and post-mortem inspections, and regulatory compliance throughout the livestock processing chain. The role is critical to ensuring food safety, animal welfare, Halal compliance, and adherence to national and international veterinary standards.
Key Responsibilities
Conduct ante-mortem inspections of all livestock entering the facility.
Supervise post-mortem inspections and carcass disposition.
Monitor animal welfare standards in lairage and processing areas.
Implement disease surveillance, biosecurity, and emergency response protocols.
Certify fitness of animals and meat products for human consumption.
Liaise with veterinary authorities, regulatory agencies, and certification bodies.
Support export certification and traceability programs.
Maintain veterinary records, health reports, and compliance documentation.
Participate in Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), ISO 22000, and food safety management systems.
Requirements
Strong knowledge of livestock diseases and food animal production.
Understanding of international animal welfare standards.
Knowledge of meat inspection, food safety, and export requirements.
Qualifications
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM).
Valid Veterinary Council of Nigeria license.
Minimum 3 - 7 years\' experience in livestock processing, abattoir operations, or food production facilities.