The Oyo State government through the ministry of Agriculture has directed residents to vaccinate their dogs and cats against rabies to curb the spread of the disease.
The government announced a fine of N250,000 or six months’ imprisonment, or both, for offenders who fail to vaccinate their pets annually, in accordance with the Oyo State Dog Law of 2019.
In a statement issued in Ibadan, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Olaleye Olasunkanmi, emphasised the importance of pet vaccinations. He urged all dog and cat owners who have not yet vaccinated their pets to do so immediately by visiting the veterinary centres in the state.
The commissioner further highlighted that research shows the majority of rabies cases result from dog bites, making it essential to keep dogs confined and to vaccinate them regularly.
“The best way to prevent rabies in humans is by vaccinating dogs and cats at least once a year. Human rabies deaths, according to research, are 100 per cent preventable with prompt vaccination of dogs and cats,” he said.
The commissioner added that it was a violation of the Oyp State Dog Law of 2019 to allow dogs to roam without their owners.
He further noted that over 70 per cent of infectious diseases in humans originate from animals.
Consequently, the government has adopted an all-inclusive approach to controlling rabies and other zoonotic diseases.
As part of its efforts, the state has conducted free mass vaccinations for cattle under the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery initiative.
The state Chairman of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, John Famoyin, commended the government for its initiatives to prevent zoonotic diseases.
However, he urged the government at all levels to ensure the effective implementation of the Dog Law to enhance public health and safety.