The Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN) has urged the Federal and state governments to impose strict sanctions on owners of unvaccinated dogs as part of a broader strategy to curb the spread of rabies in the country.
This call comes ahead of the 2024 World Rabies Day, which is observed annually on September 28, with this year’s theme being “Breaking Rabies Boundaries.”
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In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, Dr. Oladotun Fadipe, Acting Registrar of the VCN, emphasized the urgent need for enforcement of policies that mandate dog vaccinations.
According to Fadipe, rabies remains a significant health threat, especially in rural areas, where children are most affected, accounting for 40% of rabies victims. He stressed that unvaccinated dogs are a major risk to public health, and government authorities must take immediate action.
“Let us ensure that we drag the enforcement and ensure every man or woman that has a dog that is not vaccinated is sanctioned,” Fadipe stated.
He added that penalties for non-compliance would serve as a deterrent and encourage dog owners to take responsibility for vaccinating their pets. “This fight against rabies is both for human health and the environment. Vaccination is key, and we must ensure that it is treated as a priority,” he said.
Fadipe lamented that despite the preventable nature of rabies, its prevalence continues to rise, largely due to insufficient funding and the failure to implement existing policies.
He emphasized that the 2030 target to eradicate rabies in Nigeria would remain unattainable if current policies are not fully enforced and adequately funded. “We need science, technology, engineering, and every sector on board to ensure that we break the boundaries of rabies,” he added.
The acting registrar further explained that rabies is 100% preventable through proper vaccination of dogs, which are the primary carriers of the virus. He praised government efforts to provide vaccines but stressed that these efforts must be complemented with stronger enforcement.
“Government is trying by supplying vaccines to ensure that dogs, which are the principal animals that harbour and transmit rabies, are vaccinated. But without enforcement, these efforts won’t be enough,” Fadipe noted.
He urged dog owners to take the issue seriously, pointing out that vaccinated dogs are not only safe but also happier and healthier. “Nobody should see their dog as an enemy. Dogs are one of the most friendly and first domesticated animals. If you love your dog, go and vaccinate it,” Fadipe advised, warning that failing to do so jeopardizes the country’s rabies eradication strategy.
Speaking on the theme for World Rabies Day 2024, “Breaking Rabies Boundaries,” Fadipe explained that it underscores the need for innovative strategies, collaboration, and a more aggressive approach to rabies control. He said that combating rabies requires cross-sectoral and cross-border cooperation, integrating human, animal, and environmental health initiatives.
“Rabies does not recognize borders or boundaries, and so it is a transboundary disease. This unified approach is crucial in the fight against rabies, fostering a world where the disease is no longer a threat to both humans and animals,” Fadipe explained.
He concluded by reaffirming VCN’s commitment to supporting the global “One Health” initiative, which promotes coordinated efforts across health sectors to address zoonotic diseases. “Over 70% of diseases and sicknesses have animal origin. So, if we do not come together to fight all diseases, we will not be able to achieve eradication,” he said.
