Kwara intensifies efforts to eradicate rabies amid rising animal bites
In its commitment to enhancing public health and safety, the Kwara State Government has pledged to control and eliminate rabies incidents resulting from dog and cat bites, an initiative aims to reinforce national health security in the state.
During a recent courtesy visit from the Dog Hunters Association, Kwara State chapter, Hon. Oloruntoyosi Thomas-Adebayo, the state Commissioner for Livestock Development, emphasized the government’s dedication to improving the health and wellbeing of both animals and residents.
She outlined plans to implement an integrated approach that addresses the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
She said, “To prevent and control rabies, we will embrace an integrated model that acknowledges the link between humans, animals, and the environment. Our strategy includes mass anti-rabies vaccination for pets and strays, alongside community awareness and education efforts to promote behavioral change and enhance pet welfare.”
The Commissioner called for robust collaboration among stakeholders to effectively halt rabies transmission through consistent vaccination efforts, thereby ensuring a safer environment and a balanced ecosystem within the state.
Dr. Olugbon Abdullateef Saliman, Director of Veterinary Services, highlighted that rabies is a fatal virus predominantly found in dogs and cats, transmitted to humans via the saliva of infected animals, typically through bites. He outlined critical symptoms of rabies in pets, such as unusual behavior, excessive salivation, hydrophobia (fear of water), and elevated body temperature. He urged pet owners to seek prompt veterinary care upon observing any of these signs.
In separate remarks, Mall Suleiman Chindo, representing the Chief Commandant of the Kwara State Vigilante Group, and Engr Olayinka Shuaib, President of the Hunters Association, expressed their concerns regarding abnormal behaviors in their hunting dogs. They reached out to the Commissioner, seeking government support for vaccinated dogs as the rainy season approaches, emphasizing the difficulties they face in affording vaccinations for their pets. They underscored the crucial role of rabies vaccination in maintaining a disease-free society.
