How FCAH&PT champions campaign against rabies disease, offers free anti-rabies vaccine to dogs in Ibadan

The Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology (FCAH&PT), Ibadan, in commemoration of this year’s World Rabies Day has offered free vaccines to dogs in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) on its official website, the theme for this year’s World Rabies Day:’Breaking Rabies Boundaries’ was chosen to highlight the need for progress and moving beyond the status quo. Rabies control programmes offer a great example to operationalise One Health building the structures and trust that are crucial to establish systems for other zoonotic diseases, including those that are pandemic-prone.

WHO noted that: ”This theme calls for innovative strategies and collaboration across various sectors and regions, highlighting the importance of integrating human, animal and environmental health efforts. By breaking boundaries, we can overcome geographic, socio-economic and educational barriers, ensuring widespread vaccination, awareness, and access to medical care. This unified approach is crucial in the fight against rabies, fostering a world where the disease is no longer a threat to both humans and animals.”

Common symptoms in infected animals include fever, drooling, aggression, and seizures. In humans, symptoms may start with numbness or pain at the bite site and can progress to severe neurological issues and death. Once clinical signs manifest, rabies is virtually 100 percent fatal, underscoring the necessity for early intervention and vaccination.

The 2024 World Rabies Day event by the FCAH&PT commenced with an anti-rabies football campaign titled: “Kick-Out Rabies,” organised by the college’s sports unit. This was followed by a two-day free anti-rabies vaccine for dogs held at a location on Akala expressway very close to Kuola bus-stop, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Speaking during one of the events, Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Professor Garba Hamidu Sharubutu, highlighted his long-standing commitment to combating rabies since his graduation as a veterinary doctor at the opening event of three days anti-rabies campaign in Ibadan metropolis by the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Ibadan.

He praised the college’s approach to the 2024 campaign, emphasising the importance of addressing rabies not only as an animal disease but also as a significant zoonotic threat.

He remarked that the fight against rabies can be likened to a fight against insecurity that does not involve guns or firearms, because the fight against insecurity also involves a fight against diseases that are zoonotic and requires a one health approach.

He noted that rabies ranks high among zoonotic diseases and recalled his efforts during his tenure as President of both the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association and the Veterinary Council of Nigeria, where he championed nationwide vaccination initiatives.

Provost, FCAH&PT, Dr Adekoya Owosibo, while speaking on the college’s effort to stamp out rabies from the society said:”We heard recently that around Akala expressway, a lady was bitten by a dog and it was a very serious matter although it did not lead to fatality.

“So, we took this campaign to Akala expressing and we had a lot of patronage such that it took us two days to conclude the vaccination of the dogs that were brought.

“Also, since it is part of our mandate, we are looking at the nearest future when we will be able to take this initiative to another part of Ibadan. In the past years, we have been to Iwo-Road, Bodija, Igbooloyin among others. But now, we want to think of going outside the state, so that other South-West states can also benefit from this initiative of stamping out zoonotic disease in our communities.”

Speaking on the sideline of the two-day free vaccination exercise, Head of Unit, Veterinary clinic, FCAH&PT, Dr Taiwo Oyagbemi, said: ”Although, World Rabies Day is celebrated every 28th of September, but we decided to pick 27th and 28th September this year to educate the general public particularly dog owners about rabies disease and also put it into action by giving dogs rabies vaccines for free.”

A dog owner, Mrs Ibitola Aragbada, while commending FCAH&PT for the initiative, said: “I have been looking for a way to vaccinate my dog but due to the economic situation in the country, I have not been able to raise the money. But with this gesture, my dog has been vaccinated and I thank the school authority for considering us for the free vaccination.

Another dog owner while expressing gratitude to the FCA&PT, Oladeji Ayodeji, said: ”I am happy that my dogs are beneficiaries of this free rabies vaccination. I am hopeful that this will be a continuous process so that we can further benefit.”

The Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology continues to raise awareness and promote preventive measures by organising yearly free mass vaccination of dogs in Ibadan to mark World Rabies Day.

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