NAN–H-99
Veterinary
Abakaliki, Dec. 6, 2016 (NAN) The Veterinary Services in the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources in Ebonyi on Tuesday commenced anti -rabies vaccination campaign against dog bites in the state.
The state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr Uchenna Orji, said at the launch of the campaign at Veterinary School in Ohaukwu Local Government Area that there was urgent need to address the menace.
The commissioner, who was represented by a Director in ministry, Mr Ibiam Okoro, said most of the referred sample cases of dog bites reported to the Nigerian Veterinary Research Institute, VOM, were confirmed positive of rabies.
Orji described the rampant cases of dog bites in Ohaukwu local government area as `alarming’.
He said “I want to inform you that sample cases of the dog bites reported and referred to VOM in Jos, Plateau State came out positive, which shows that we have rabies in the state.
“The state veterinary services has commenced action with anti -rabies vaccination campaign to educate, vaccinate and eliminate rabies in the state,” he said.
The commissioner urged dog owners to vaccinate their pets against rabies, adding that there were hundreds of diseases man could get from animals.
He said that the first 40 dogs to be brought to the centre would receive free vaccination and urged the state veterinary services to ensure that all dogs were vaccinated, registered and given certificates.
Mrs Rita Okoro, the Desk Officer, Avian Influenza Control Project, said that rampant cases of dog bites in the state gave rise to the campaign.
Okoro said that the campaign with the theme “Educate, Eliminate and Vaccinate against Rabies” was aimed at sensitising the public on the dangers of dog bite and its consequences.
She said there was no treatment for rabies and that the end result was death.
The desk officer pointed out that cattle, horses and cats, when bitten by dogs posed serious threat to humans.
Okoro then warned against allowing dogs to roam on the streets and urged owners of pets to keep them at home to prevent contracting the disease.
She commended the Federal and state governments for funding the vaccination.
Mr Lazarus Odoke and Rose Elom, who said they had dogs as pets, promised regular vaccination of the pets.
Highlight of the event was the vaccination of some dogs in the area. (NAN)
UVU/MNA/HA
Edited by Maureen Atuonwu/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu