FREE VACCINATION: Commissioner Tasks Anambra Residents on Inoculation of Dogs

By Praise Chinecherem

Anambra State government has advised owners of dogs in the State to take advantage of the free vaccination campaign to inoculate their animals to prevent bites related fatalities.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Forster Ihejiofor gave the advice on Tuesday while flagging off of 2022 free anti-rabies vacination campaign in the state.

He said dog owners who refused to vaccinate their animals risk being arrested for murder and the animals confisticated if found to have bitten someone.

He said, “The federal and state government are partnering to bring this intervention to the residents to prevent fatalities of bites from infected animals. The only cure for rabies is to prevent against it.

“The vacination which will be administered free of charge will be carried out in the next five days across the local governments and communities in the state.

“Your only responsibility is to bring your animals to the vacination venue as well as assist us spread the news so the state can become safe from possible menace of rabies. 

“If someone ignores the call, there are consequences. The animals can be picked up and destroyed because it bit someone. The state is also at liberty to try you for murder.”

Earlier, Director, Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Basil Ideh disclosed that the state has taken delivery of 3,500 out of a total 4,100 doses of the vaccine allocated to the state for the exercise.

He called on dog owners and breeders to ensure they took care of their animals as prescribed in dog regulations/laws before the National Assembly.

“You must keep your dog safe and away from other stray dogs and cats, schedule regular medical checkups, feed them well, vaccinate them annually against rabies and most importantly, not allow them to stray and roam the streets scavenging for food,” he added.

On his part, Chairman, Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, Anambra State chapter, Dr Ifeanyi Obiwulu described the theme of the 2022 world rabies celebration, “One health, zero death” as apt.

He urged residents to make their animals available for vaccination and to seek counsel from professionals where they have issues.