The National President of the Nigerian Veterinary Association, Dr. Moses Arokoya, has described deaths linked to rabies from dog bites as alarming. He urged all levels of government to step up awareness about the deadly viral disease.
Arokoya spoke on Tuesday when he led national officials of the association on a courtesy visit to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya at the Government House, Gombe.
The officials were in the state to mark World Rabies Day, themed: “Act Now: You, Me & Community.”
He explained that Gombe was chosen for this year’s commemoration because of the sharp rise in reported dog bite cases. According to him, the state recorded 580 cases in the last four years, leading to four deaths.
Arokoya noted that rabies is a viral disease with no cure, causing about 59,000 deaths worldwide each year. He stressed that while survival chances for victims are slim, prevention is possible through mass awareness and routine vaccination of dogs.
“The theme of this year’s event highlights the need for everyone to work together in tackling this health challenge,” he said.
He also praised Governor Yahaya for his achievements in livestock development, agriculture, and other sectors, saying the association would present him with an award in recognition.
Responding, Governor Yahaya, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibrahim Njodi, thanked the association for choosing Gombe as host.
Njodi described the 580 reported dog bite cases as unacceptable and promised that the government would work hard to tackle the problem.
“The commemoration of World Rabies Day in Gombe is a wake-up call on the serious health risks of rabies. We will use available resources to fight the disease,” he assured.
He also urged residents, especially dog owners, to vaccinate their pets regularly as a preventive measure.
On the association’s appeal for more veterinary doctors and sponsorship of members to the upcoming national conference, Prof. Njodi said the government would give it due consideration.
