The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association has issued a strong appeal to pet owners, urging them to take responsibility for their pets by keeping them within their premises and ensuring they are properly vaccinated against rabies.
Dr. Oluwatoyin Adetuberu, the National President of the association, emphasized the importance of responsible pet ownership in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja, coinciding with World Rabies Day.
World Rabies Day is observed annually on September 28th to raise awareness about rabies prevention and to showcase the progress made in combatting this deadly disease. The theme for 2023 is ‘All for 1- One Health for All.’
Adetuberu stressed that responsible pet ownership is a key strategy for reducing the prevalence of rabies in the country. She urged dog and pet owners to vaccinate their animals and ensure they do not roam freely, potentially endangering the lives of others.
“To curb stray dogs in Nigeria and the burden of rabies, we advocate responsible pet ownership. If you own a dog, please vaccinate it and keep it within your premises. Don’t allow it to stray out of your premises, thereby endangering the lives of other citizens. All pet owners should please be responsible,” she said.
Highlighting the severity of the rabies problem in Nigeria, Adetuberu explained that rabies is a devastating disease, and anyone bitten by a rabid dog may not survive. She emphasized that there is no cure for rabies, and the only effective approach is prevention.
Adetuberu called upon the government to increase the number of veterinarians involved in dog vaccination programs across the country. She stated, “We want the government to provide vaccines and also employ the manpower required to fight rabies. Veterinarians in Nigeria are at the forefront of the campaign against rabies, and we are doing this by collaborating and joining forces across sectors, engaging communities, and committing to sustain the dog vaccination together.”
In conclusion, Adetuberu emphasized the importance of a holistic approach to health, encompassing animal health, environmental health, and plant health, in order to safeguard human health effectively.