Sele Media Africa Reported by Mafeng Gyang Adams
Rabies Day: Expert Urges 70% Dog Vaccination to Halt Transmission in Nigeria
Abuja, Nigeria – September 28, 2025 In commemoration of World Rabies Day, the Livestock Management Services (LMS) has stressed the urgent need for at least 70% vaccination coverage of the dog population in Nigeria to effectively halt the transmission of rabies across the country.Speaking at a public awareness event in Abuja, LMS veterinary expert Dr. Ibrahim Adamu said rabies remains 100% fatal once clinical symptoms appear, but also 100% preventable through mass dog vaccination and early intervention. (Source: The Guardian Nigeria, Premium Times, WHO Rabies Fact Sheet).
According to global health guidelines from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), reaching 70% vaccination coverage among dogs is the critical threshold needed to create herd immunity and interrupt rabies transmission cycles. “Many outbreaks in Nigeria continue because of persistent vaccination gaps, especially in rural and peri-urban areas,” Dr. Adamu warned. Nigeria records thousands of dog bite cases annually, with many victims unable to access post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Rabies is still endemic in many states, with children under 15 most vulnerable. Human deaths are underreported, often misdiagnosed or undocumented in rural areas. (Source: NCDC, Punch, WHO Nigeria).
LMS called on the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, state governments, and development partners to invest in community-led vaccination campaigns, enforce dog ownership regulations, and boost public education on rabies prevention.
Sele Media Africa urges Nigerians to vaccinate their pets and report dog bites promptly to health authorities.
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