Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State has embarked on a free anti-rabies vaccination program in order to prevent the spread of rabies and promote responsible pet ownership.
The State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the Veterinary Services Department flagged off the free anti-rabies vaccination campaigns for pet animals across the Local Government Area.
Speaking during the campaign, themed: ‘PROTECT PETS, STAY ALIVE’, the Executive Chairman of Yewa South Local Government, Barr. Abraham Ogunsola, said the programme was designed to safeguard both animals and members of the community from the deadly rabies virus.
He described the initiative as a proactive public health measure capable of reducing the risk of rabies transmission and creating a safer environment for residents, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to public health, environmental safety and the protection of lives and property.
Barr. Ogunsola, explained that rabies remained one of the most dangerous zoonotic diseases, adding that the disease could become fatal once clinical symptoms appear, but could also be prevented through vaccination.
“Rabies is 100 percent fatal but is 100 percent preventable through vaccination. By protecting our pets, we are protecting our families and our community,” he said.
He urged all pet owners across the 10 wards of Yewa South Local Government to take advantage of the free vaccination exercise by presenting their dogs, cats and other eligible domestic animals for vaccination.
Also speaking, the Lead Veterinary Doctor, Dr. Emmanuel Akeba, said rabies virus could be transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, particularly when an infected dog or cat bites or scratches a person.
The veterinary expert further noted that an infected animal could pose a serious threat to members of the community, particularly children and other vulnerable persons.
Dr. Akeba, warned residents about the dangers associated with rabies infection, stressing the importance of immediate medical attention following any suspected bite or scratch from an animal, advising residents and pet owners not to take animal bites or scratches lightly to ensure that their animals receive routine anti-rabies vaccinations.
He announced that the free anti-rabies vaccination programme would continue every Wednesday throughout the year at the Yewa Zonal Veterinary Office, Ilaro, thus, opening a window of opportunities for residents to protect their pets.
Responding, on behalf of pet owners, Mr. Ayoola Lateef, commended the Yewa South Local Government and the Ogun State veterinary authorities for making the vaccination free and accessible to residents, describing the initiative as timely and beneficial, particularly in raising awareness about rabies prevention and encouraging responsible animal ownership.
