CurrentReport Blog The Good Development and Accountability Advocacy group has called on all dog and cat owners in Nigeria to vaccinate their pets against rabies, citing the disease as a serious threat to public health. This warning came from the President of the group, Chukwunazom Cyra Obi, during the World Rabies Day celebration in Umuahia.
Obi stressed the dangers associated with rabies, a vaccine-preventable disease that affects the central nervous system in infected humans. He highlighted the significant risk posed by stray dogs in urban and rural areas, revealing that his organization has been actively arresting stray dogs in Umuahia while conducting sensitization campaigns about the risks of rabies.
He also warned Nigerians about the dangers of consuming dog meat infected with rabies, stating that it could be fatal. Obi emphasized that the most cost-effective strategy to prevent rabies in humans is through the vaccination of dogs. He urged the government at all levels to join hands in eradicating rabies by the year 2030.
Rabies, a zoonotic disease, remains a formidable challenge to society, but with concerted efforts, it can be eradicated. The advocacy group continues to push for more awareness and stricter measures to control the spread of rabies in the country.
For the safety and health of the public, dog and cat owners are advised to ensure their pets are vaccinated and kept under control.
