NVMA ENCOURAGES PROPER PET OWNERSHIP ON THE WORLD RABIES DAY.

Babatunji Wusu –

The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association has recommended pet owners to confine their animals to their homes and make sure they have had all necessary rabies vaccinations.

In honor of World Rabies Day, Dr. Oluwatoyin Adetuberu, the association’s national president, made the call during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja.

Every year on September 28, World Rabies Day is observed to raise awareness about rabies prevention and to celebrate advancements made in the fight against the disease, according to NAN.

‘All for 1- One Health for All’ will be the subject of the global observation day in 2023.

Therefore, Adetuberu recognized responsible pet ownership as a step in the right direction for lowering the incidence of rabies in the nation.

“We advocate responsible pet ownership to reduce the number of stray dogs in Nigeria and the rabies burden,” she said.

“If you have a dog, I ask that you vaccinate it and confine it to your property. Don’t let it leave your property and jeopardize the lives of nearby residents.

“Please be responsible, all pet owners.”

Anybody bitten by a rabid dog may not be fruitful, the veterinarian said, describing the immense and severe issues rabies poses in the nation.

She claimed that the only option for treating rabies was to prevent it.

The president of the NVMA encouraged the government to hire more veterinarians who would be responsible for immunizing canines across the nation.

We want the government to fund vaccines and hire the necessary staff to combat rabies, the woman stated.

“Veterinary professionals in Nigeria are leading the fight against rabies, and we are doing it by working together and combining our efforts across sectors, involving communities, and pledging to continue the dog vaccination program.”

Adetuberu counseled all sectors to prioritize plant, animal, and environmental health “for us to sustain human health.”