World rabies day: osun vets call for pet licensing to aid disease control!
Reported by David Joshua | Sele Media Africa
The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Osun State chapter, has called on the government to introduce a pet licensing system as part of efforts to curb the spread of rabies and other zoonotic diseases in Nigeria.
Speaking during activities marking World Rabies Day in Osogbo, the veterinarians lamented the absence of reliable data on pets, stressing that the gap has made it difficult to plan effectively for animal care, vaccination, and disease prevention.
Chairman of the association, Dr. [insert if name available], explained that rabies remains a major public health concern, especially in developing countries like Nigeria, where vaccination coverage is low and stray animals are common.
He noted that licensing pets would not only help government track the animal population but also ensure compliance with vaccination protocols, thereby reducing the risk of rabies transmission to humans.
“Without accurate records, we are working in the dark. Licensing will give us the data we need to plan, respond to outbreaks, and improve both human and animal health,” the chairman said.
The group further urged authorities to strengthen collaboration between veterinary professionals, local councils, and public health institutions to create an efficient framework for pet registration and vaccination campaigns.
World Rabies Day, observed every September 28, is dedicated to raising awareness about the impact of rabies and promoting steps to eliminate the disease globally. Rabies claims tens of thousands of lives every year, with the majority of deaths occurring in Africa and Asia.
The Osun vets emphasized that with stronger policies like pet licensing, Nigeria can move closer to eradicating rabies while also safeguarding the health and wellbeing of communities.
About The Author
Discover more from Sele Media Africa
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
