World Rabies Day: Veterinarians take campaign to FGC Warri

VETERINARY medical doctors on Friday September 28 took the campaign on the dangers of rabies to the Federal Government College (FGC), Warri, Delta State, to mark the annual World Rabies Day (WRD).

The animal caregivers, under the aegis of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, Delta State chapter, were led by the state chairman, Dr Isioma Kenneth Jowe-Asidi, and Councillor for Africa of the World Veterinary Association (WVA), Dr Gani Enahoro.

The WRB, being the 12th edition, was coordinated by Global Alliance for Rabies Control with the endorsement of the World Health Organisation (WHO), World Organisation for Animal Health and others.

State chairman of NVMA, Dr Jowe-Asidi, underscored the significance of the event to include the sensitization and education of the public on the dangers, prevention and control for possible global eradication of rabies through free immunisation.

He called on the Delta State government to promulgate a dog law for the state in order to promote responsible dog ownership and enhance the prevention, control and eradication of rabies from the state.

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Councillor for Africa, WVA, Dr Enahoro, during his presentation on the theme of the global event, ‘Share the Message, Save a Life’, exposed the FGC Warri pupils to the world of rabies, using animated graphics.

The number one official of WVA in Africa educated the pupils, with instances from his practice, on the modern significance of pets, the job of veterinarians and medical treatment of pet animals that are sick or injured by human cruelty, urging the pupils to be humane but cautious with pet animals.

In another video presentation by Dr Okonkwo, the pupils were sensitized to the need to avoid strange pet animals such as dogs and cats, which, he noted, could infect them with the rabies virus through a bite.

According to the veterinary doctor, other animals such as wild bats, wolves and foxes rank among other animals that sustain the spread of the virus in susceptible humans, sheep, cattle, goats and other warm-blooded animals.

Delta State representative and permanent secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Sir Augustine Ogboro, in his remark said the state govt had made available funds for sustained vaccination of dogs and cats across the state.

He stated that no fewer than 4,348 dogs have so far been vaccinated in 2018 alone, adding that a ‘dog law’ has been drafted by the ministry and is being looked into by the Ministry of Justice.

Sir Ogboro urged dog owners in the state to annually immunize their dogs in various government and private clinics as well as obtain certificates of vaccination.

He also appealed to dog owners to feed their dogs well and restrict them from wandering or hobnobbing with stray dogs in order not to get infected.

The interactive session of the event availed the pupils the opportunity to ask questions on grey areas they needed clarity.

Wisdom Dedirhi, a Science student in SSS 2H and Adan Naya of JSS 2C, both girls, who spoke with the Nigerian Tribune gave a synopsis of what they learnt during the presentations.

“We learnt that rabies can be gotten from animals like dogs and that to prevent this disease, we are to vaccinate our animals and pets and I will pass it across to my younger ones when I get home,” Miss Dedirhi enthused.

Meanwhile, Principal of FGC Warri, Mrs P. E. Edoiso, in her vote of thanks, lauded the organizers for hosting the event in her school.

Highlight of the event was an earlier rally held by members of the VMA, Delta State chapter at Airport Road, Warri.