Oct. 3, 2024

The Bauchi governmnet says it has recorded two rabies cases in the state from Jauary to October 2024.

The figure indicated 90 per cent decrease from 20 rabies cases recorded in 2023.

Dr Ibrahim Bello, Director Veterinary Services in the state Ministry of Agriculture, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Thursday in Bauchi.

Bello attributed the feat achieved to proactive measures adopted by the state government to control the disease.

He, however, said that there was significant increase in dog bite incidences with 199 cases recorded from January to date.

“With 132 occurring in Bauchi Local Government Area alone, not all dog bites result from rabies,” he said.

According to Bello, the disease remains a deadly threat to public health, with almost no survival chance once clinical signs appear.

He said the state government had designated a rabies desk officer, conducted annual mass rabies vaccination and community sensitisation exercises to stem the disease.

The ministry, he said, was working with the One Health Initiative (OHI), a project under the state Ministry of Health, to foster collaboration between human and veterinary healthcare sectors.

While urging dog owners to vaccinate their pets, Bello underscored the imperative of collective action in eliminating rabies by 2030.

“With sustained effort and public education, Bauchi State aims to lead the way in eradicating rabies and set an example for other states in Nigeria,” he said. (NAN)