NAN-HG-16
Rabies
Abakaliki, Jan. 11, 2017 (NAN) The Ebonyi Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, on Wednesday, said it would conduct baseline study to control and prevent rabies in the state.
Mrs Rita Okoro, the Desk Officer, Avian Influenza in the Department of Veterinary Services, said this during the ongoing phase II vaccination campaign at Nkaliki in Abakaliki Local Government Area of the state.
Represented by Dr Okoro Nwaiyi, an Epidemiologist in the department, Okoro
said that the study was to identify gaps in peoples’ knowledge, attitude and practice toward rabies prevention.
She said “we are doing a baseline study statewide. We intend to back it up with another study to determine the best way to mobilise people and also determine gaps in their knowledge on rabies.
“We don’t have large turnout of people as we expected even with the radio jingles we did.”
The desk officer urged dog owners to vaccinate their pets against rabies, adding that the
department would commence enforcement and would arrest stray dogs and other
animals after the campaign.
Dr Austin Igwe, a Veterinary Doctor, said cases of dog bite were frequently recorded during the Harmattan as the weather increased the rate at which the disease manifest.
According to him, the weather affects dogs mentally.
“We have three stages like dumb, vision and pro-dummer that affect dogs, monkeys and cats.
“We want to make sure that the state is free of rabies because it has no cure, but the best way is prevention.”
Igwe appreciated the state government for providing the necessary funds for the campaign. (NAN)
UVU/AOS/HA
===========
Edited by Bayo Sekoni/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu