World rabies day: Dogs killed four in two years in Gombe
Chairman of Dukku Local Government Area of Gombe State, Jamilu Shabewa, says no fewer than four persons died to rabies induced deaths in the last two years, with many others surviving from dog related bites.
Shabewa made this disclosure in his address at the commemoration of world rabies day organised by Federal, State Ministries of Agriculture in collaboration with USAID Breakthrough Action Nigeria, which was launched by Minister of State, Agriculture and Rural Development Mustapha Shehuri.
Our correspondent reports that rabies is a zoonotic disease that affects animals, and humans. it is transmitted through the bite of an infected dog to human beings or another or another healthy dog. The victims are mostly children and vulnerable rural communities who are in contact with stray, wild dogs.
According to Shabewa, there was no better time and venue for the commencement of the vaccination in the state, stressing that his Local Government accounts for high incidences to dog bite.
He said, “Vaccination Campaign was done at the right time because for the past two years our Local Government had recorded high incidences of rabies cases which claim four lives and many people with degree of injuries from the dog bites. Therefore, this campaign which is to raise awareness among various stakeholders could go along way in controlling the menace.”
While urging for speedy eradication of rabies, Shabewa lauded the partnership by both government and partners.
“I would not get back to my seat without making a special plea to the Hon. Minister for Government and Partners collective effort to eradicate this deadliest infectious diseases (Rabies) in my Local Government and the entire country in general,” Shabewa added.
Also speaking, Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, who was represented by the Deputy Governor Dr. Manassah Jatau, lamented the negative consequences of rabies in both animals and human beings.
Yahaya said, “It is important that we control rabies, it threatens the existence of wildlife species, cause deaths of human beings and it is a great burden in animal species. This being the case we are challenged to do all we can to stop its transmission to human beings, other animals and even to the dogs itself.”
Shehuri, on his part assured that Government would tackle the issue of rabies, while urging dog owners to take advantage of the vaccination exercise.
“There is therefore an urgent need for Government at all levels to do more in the area of prevention and control of the disease to ensure that these figures are significantly brought down.
“This can only be achieved by mass vaccination of dogs and effective public enlightenment campaign to educate the public and create awareness on the danger posed by the disease on public health,” Shehuri added.
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