Kano State Government, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, has launched a Mass Anti-Rabies Vaccination Campaign to combat the deadly virus in the state.
The Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr Aliyu Isa Aliyu, flagged off the campaign at Gwale Veterinary Clinic.
Dr Aliyu Isa Aliyu expressed gratitude to the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development for providing 2,000 vaccine doses.
He noted that the disease was detected in Plateau State, followed by Kano State, highlighting the importance of the campaign.
Dr Aliyu explained that rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals, including humans, and is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, usually through bites or scratches.
The Commissioner thanked dog owners for bringing their dogs to take the vaccine, acknowledging their cooperation in the campaign.
He appealed to the Federal Government to increase the vaccine doses, as the provided doses may not be sufficient. He assured that the State Government would continue the exercise in various veterinary clinics across the state.
On the other hand, Dr. Mairo Kachalla, representative of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, commended Governor Yusuf for establishing the Ministry of Livestock Development in the state, demonstrating his commitment to improving the livelihoods of both humans and livestock.
She urged residents to cooperate with both governments to combat the disease, emphasizing that rabies can be harmful to both human and animal health when an infected dog bites.
Dr Kachalla also appealed to the State Government to engage in sensitization and public awareness campaigns to educate the public about the virus.
Dr Abubakar Sani Inuwa of Public Health and Epidemiology warned residents to take measures to prevent the spread of rabies.
The Director Admin and General Services of the Ministry, Yahya Sani Abbas, thanked the Federal Government and the State Government for their collaborative efforts in launching the campaign.
He also appreciated the dog owners for their cooperation and encouraged others to bring their dogs for vaccination.
Maimuna Abba Aminu, a dog owner with about 5 dogs, thanked the State Government for the free vaccine provided to her dogs and assured that she would inform other members of the Dogs Association about the vaccination campaign, encouraging them to bring their dogs for vaccination.
The campaign aims to immunize animals, particularly dogs, and educate the public on the risks of rabies and how to prevent it.
Credit: Halima Sani Gadanya
