World Rabies Day: Osun Veterinarians Lament Low Awareness On Vaccination Of Animals
The Osun State chapter of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, Osun State, has decried the low awareness of rabies disease among residents, especially pet owners.
This was as the association called for more sensitisation on the need for vaccination of animals in the state.
The association stated this on Wednesday during a symposium on the 2025 World Rabies Day held at Redeemers University, Ede.
Speaking during the programme, the chairman of the association in Osun, Dr. Seyi Kolawole, noted that rabies was the number one disease in the world, calling on pet owners to ensure they vaccinate their animals.
Dr. Kolawole lamented that the awareness is low, adding that people don’t realise how deadly the disease is.
Dr. Kolawole said, “Rabies is the number one deadliest disease in the world. The World Health Organisation reported that for every nine minutes, someone dies from rabies.
“The awareness is so low and it’s surprising that even now, some elite and semi-elite don’t know that it is a crisis. So, we have to act now because people are dying.
“The solution started with you and me. If I have my animals vaccinated, that means no one will get affected through them. If the animal health is protected, human health is protected.
“That is why the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, Osun State, is emphasising that we all take it back to our homes, schools, and worship centers so that we can reduce the number of stray dogs that are not vaccinated around in our environment.”
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
