As the world marks World Rabies Day, Nigerians have been warned against consuming dog meat without verifying if the source is rabies-free.
The warning was sounded by the President of Good Development and Accountability Advocacy, GDAA, Chukwunazom Cyra Obi, in a message he released to journalists about the dangers of rabies in dogs, which has claimed many lives world wide.
Obi, who called for routine dog immunization to tackle dangers posed by rabies, identified poor awareness, low vaccination coverage and weak response system as major gaps facing the elimination of rabies.
He described the rabies as a silent but deadly disease which has remained a major public health challenge in Nigeria that requires a stronger national response, pointing out that dog vaccination remains the most-cost effective way to health transmission.
He advised the Nigerian government to make annual budgets for vaccination of at least 70% of the dog population in rural and urban areas, stressing that veterinary services must guarantee vaccine availability, cold chain preservation and mobile outreach, especially in hinterlands.
Obi, who is an expert in dog management called for a nationwide sensitisation of the people about rabies prevention, wound washing and post-exposure prophylaxis, said such campaigns should be run with in local languages on radio, television,
He stressed that primary health centres across Nigeria must be equipped to provide affordable and timely rabies vaccines and urged trained health workers to adhere strictly to World Health Organization protocols and to counsel victims of dog bites on appropriate treatment.
On Nigeria’s growing stray dog population, Obi appealed for humane but firm management which includes capturing, vaccinating, spaying or neutering, strict enforcement of dog registration and owner responsibility laws to reduce uncontrolled breeding and minimise risks of attacks.
