The Oyo State Government has issued a mandate requiring residents to vaccinate their dogs and cats against rabies, a move aimed at combating this deadly disease. The announcement was made by Mr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, who emphasized the crucial role of vaccination in protecting both animals and humans.
This initiative follows the observance of World Rabies Day on September 28, 2024, under the theme “Breaking Rabies Boundaries.” In recognition of this important day, Oyo State organized an event that gathered veterinary professionals, pet owners, and community members to raise awareness and promote action against rabies.
Commissioner Olaleye urged pet owners who have not yet vaccinated their animals to do so immediately at local veterinary centers. He highlighted that research indicates a significant proportion of rabies cases stem from dog bites, prompting the state government to raise public awareness about the necessity of confining pets and ensuring they receive regular vaccinations.
“According to the Oyo State Dog Law of 2019, it is illegal for dogs to roam freely without their owners,” Olaleye stated. He reiterated that vaccinating dogs and cats at least once a year is essential for preventing rabies in humans, noting that rabies-related fatalities in humans are entirely preventable with timely vaccination.
With over 70% of infectious diseases in humans classified as zoonotic—originating from animals—Oyo State is implementing comprehensive measures to control rabies and other zoonotic diseases. The government has also conducted free mass vaccinations for cattle as part of the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) initiative.
Furthermore, in collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-Press), Oyo State trained veterinary officers on August 19, 2024, to enhance their capacity in managing animal health.
It is important to note that failing to vaccinate pets annually constitutes an offense under the Oyo State Dog Law of 2019, which carries a penalty of a fine of Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (#250,000) or six months of imprisonment, or both.
In related news, Dr. John Famoyin, Chairman of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association’s Oyo State Chapter, praised the state government for its efforts in preventing zoonotic diseases and called for strict enforcement of the Dog Law to further protect public health.
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