The chairman, Nigeria Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Abubakar Tilde, says no fewer than 13 human rabies infections have been recorded in Bauchi State in the past year.

Mr Tilde disclosed this during a sensitisation exercise to mark the 2022 World Rabies Day (WRD) on Wednesday in Bauchi. 

The day, with the theme “Rabies: One Health, Zero Deaths”, was designed to celebrate contributions and successes by veterinarians towards improving animal and human health and protecting the environment. 

“The Day shows commitment by veterinarians and medics to strengthen the reigning one health concept.

“It is also important in prevention and control of emerging and re-emerging infectious zoonotic diseases causing havoc on animals, humans, environment and the economy,” he said.

According to him, the association is collaborating with the Bauchi State government, Directorate of Veterinary Services, African Union, Global Alliance for the Control of Rabies (GARC) and development partners to successfully implement the national strategic plan for the eradication of rabies in the country.

“Rabies is highly fatal, yet vaccine-preventable zoonotic disease that is endemic in Nigeria and largely most African countries,” he said. 

The veterinarian said dog bites account for 99 per cent of rabies infections in humans, hence the need for awareness creation to control the disease.

He disclosed that about 10,000 pets had been inoculated against rabies in 2021 across the 20 local government areas of the state.

While reiterating the association’s readiness to support the campaign against the disease, Mr Tilde urged the state government to upgrade veterinary facilities to enhance animal health service delivery. 

(NAN)