28th September is a day set aside to observe the World Rabies Day but Lagos State Government as a proactive government is not waiting till September to give priority to animals especially Dog which is globally acclaimed as the best friend of man among all the animals.
On this campaign, Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA knowing the importance of this special pet (Dog) keyed into this initiative by inviting lovers of Dog and other stakeholders on animal health and safety to a 1-day Anti-Rabies Campaign.
Mrs. Seriki J. Olusola, Head of Department, Agric, Youths, Sports and Social Development while welcoming all participants to the programme implored all stakeholders to ensure strict adherence to the things they are going to gain from this campaign for both Pet owner and Pets to stay healthy.
The Executive Chairman of the most urbanised Local Council in sub Saharan Africa, Hon. Fuad Atanda-Lawal was ably represented by his vice Hon. Akinbowale Macaulay who informed participants of the importance of the programme and the need to always show concern to animal health and safety.
Mr. Lateef Oloto, the Council Manager in his Goodwill Message said that Lagos State Government is using the medium to create awareness about Rabies. He urged every one present to take precautions and pay attention to the Guest Speakers because to be forewarned is to be forearmed. He strongly advised that we should all keep ourselves and pets free of Rabies by getting our pets vaccinated regularly.
Mrs. Jumoke Enebeli, a Veterinary Doctor from Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture informed that Pets such as Dogs, Cats and Monkeys are our companions and we should try as much as possible to love and care for them.
The Vet. Dr. explained that Pets that are not well fed and properly cared for are the ones that later become stray and wild! In this case, she advised that such stray pets should be reported to the Health Care Center.
On Rabies, she talked on how one can be infected either through bites, scratches that has opening, or Saliva from the affected pets. She advised that any affected person as a result of any of the above contacts with a pet should immediately be taken to the nearest health care centre for immediate treatment.
The second speaker, another Veterinary Doctor from same ministry, Dr. Nurudeen Rufai, talked on the need to get all our pets vaccinated and also to report any wild dog to the health care centres for proper care. He made it known that this exercise is free and will last for 2 weeks. He then read out the designated places where our pets could be vaccinated and also reminded every pet owner to get certificate for their pets after being vaccinated.
Dr. Akintoba Akintayo, the Medical Officer of Health, Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA talked on Rabies, Symptoms and Cure. According to him, Nausea, Redness, Vomiting, Fever, Barking etc are some of the symptoms of Rabies in affected person.
He further highlighted the following as steps to take once any of the above mentioned symptoms is noticed:
- Do not panic.
- Wash with soap and water.
- Take the victim to health care unit for vaccination and proper treatment.
The MOH advised that all Pets should be linked and registered at the Veterinary Clinic.
Dr. Akintayo in his lecture, said Rabies is an highly infectious disease that can easily be eradicated by vaccine. He then requested that a Veterinary Registry should be established within Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA where Pets would be monitored and vaccinated.
Sanitarian Ade Elvis Abiodun, representing Sanitarian Dr. Àkingbehin Samuel, the Head of Department, Environmental Services and Waste Management informed that Pets are parts of Humans daily lives but could be aggressive and end up biting.
According to her, Rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease that could be spread from the saliva of infected animal (either domestic or wild). She mentioned ways of preventing and control spread of Rabies which includes:
- Keeping your pets up-to-date on their vaccination.
- Report stray animals to Local Authorities.
- Do not approach any animal, unless you are certain about their vaccination and lastly
- Consider getting a preemptive vaccine- prophylaxis.
While giving the vote of thanks, the Head of Agric, Rural, Youths, Sports and Social Development implored all pet owners to give credence to the valuable knowledge shared by various speakers on Anti-Rabies and above all, prevention is better than cure. Prevention of Rabies is the best and the cheapest but could lead to death if neglected.
