The Oyo State Government has urged pet owners to vaccinate their dogs and cats against rabies.
This appeal was made by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye, during the 2024 World Rabies Day event held in Ibadan on Tuesday.
Olaleye emphasized that all dog and cat owners who are yet to vaccinate their pets should do so immediately by visiting veterinary centers across the state.
He highlighted that the most effective way to prevent rabies in humans is through the annual vaccination of dogs and cats.
He cited research showing that human rabies deaths are 100% preventable with timely vaccination of pets. Olaleye also reminded the public that under the Oyo State Dog Law of 2019, it is illegal for dogs to roam freely without their owners. He called on residents to keep their pets in confined areas and ensure they receive regular vaccinations.
The commissioner noted that the state government has adopted a comprehensive approach to controlling rabies and other zoonotic diseases, pointing out that over 70% of infectious diseases in humans originate from animals.
Olaleye also warned that failure to vaccinate pets annually is a violation of the Oyo State Dog Law, which carries a fine of N250,000, six months imprisonment, or both.