Nigerians have been warned against consuming dog meat without verifying if the source is rabies-free.
President of Good Development and Accountability Advocacy, GDAA, Chukwunazom Cyra Obi gave the caution as the world marks World Rabies Day,
He said rabies in dogs had claimed many lives worldwide.
Obi, who called for routine dog immunization to tackle dangers posed by rabies, identified poor awareness, low vaccination coverage and weak response system as major gaps facing the elimination of rabies.
He described the rabies as a silent but deadly disease which has remained a major public health challenge in Nigeria that requires a stronger national response, pointing out that dog vaccination remains the most-cost effective way to health transmission.
He advised the Nigerian government to make annual budgets for vaccination of at least 70% of the dog population in rural and urban areas, stressing that veterinary services must guarantee vaccine availability, cold chain preservation and mobile outreach, especially in hinterlands.
On Nigeria’s growing stray dog population, Obi appealed for humane but firm management which includes capturing, vaccinating, spaying or neutering, strict enforcement of dog registration and owner responsibility laws to reduce uncontrolled breeding and minimise risks of attacks.
