By Modupe Bankole
In a bid to curb the spread of rabies and other zoonotic diseases, the Oyo State Government has urged dog and pet owners across the state to ensure regular vaccination of their animals, warning that negligence poses a serious public health risk.
The call was made on Monday by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, during a Rabies Sensitization and Awareness Programme held at the State Veterinary Hospital, Mokola, Ibadan, where he described rabies as a deadly but preventable disease.
Olaleye noted that cases are often underreported, especially in rural communities, despite their devastating consequences.
Represented by the Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Mrs. Laide Azeez, the commissioner reminded residents that the Oyo State Dog Law of 2020 mandates annual vaccination of dogs and prohibits free roaming.
He stressed that violators risk a fine of ₦250,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both, adding that the ministry has intensified mass vaccination campaigns, strengthened public awareness, and promoted responsible pet ownership through veterinary services in all 33 local government areas.
Barrister Olaleye reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration to eradicating rabies in the state and improving veterinary healthcare delivery.
“Rabies is preventable if dog owners act responsibly. Collective action is required to create a rabies-free environment and protect our communities,” he said.
Delivering a lecture titled “Rabies: What You Need to Know,” the Head of Animal Health Technology at the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Dr. Ifeoluwapo Akanbi, explained that rabies is caused by the Lyssavirus , transmitted through the saliva and nervous tissue of infected animals.
Dr. Akanbi disclosed that rabies kills over 59,000 people annually, mainly in Africa and Asia, noting that humans can contract the disease through bites, scratches, licks on broken skin, and in rare cases, organ transplants. She urged prompt medical attention after suspected exposure and routine vaccination of pets.
Speakingl also ,Surveillance Officer of the State Ministry of Health, Mr. Hamed Adewole, said surveillance officers are stationed in all 33 local government areas and encouraged residents to promptly report suspected rabies cases.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Oyo State Chapter, Dr. Bolaji Olaomo, called on participants to disseminate the information widely, emphasizing that eliminating zoonotic diseases requires collective responsibility.
